Cadman Atta Mills, a Ghanaian economist and brother of the late former President John Evans Atta Mills, has slammed the airport reception for President John Dramani Mahama.
According to Cadman Atta Mills, he told his late brother when he was in office, the practice was not just unnecessary but was also insane.
Cadman Atta Mills was reacting to a viral video that captured several prominent Ministers alongside officials from the Jubilee House, seated and holding Ghana flags as they awaited John Mahama’s return to Ghana.
He explained that Atta Mills questioned the practice of such receptions, adding that he was satisfied to be seen off by his Vice and/or his Chief of Staff.
In a social media post, he wrote, “Interesting tradition: show up and be seen. You are either with the delegation or at the airport to send off and to welcome back. But who is manning the shop? President Mills was not very fond of that. He was satisfied to be seen off by his Vice and/or his Chief of Staff. That was that”.
It was not just unnecessary. It was insane! And I let him know about it. But at least that was a special occasion. There were concerns about his health (he was really in a bad shape when he left for medical attention in the U.S. at my insistence).
In related news, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has cancelled his ministry’s planned welcome ceremony organised by staff ahead of his return to Ghana from the UN.
According to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, he would have strongly opposed the planned idea if he had been consulted.
He detailed that his checks from the Ministry’s management indicate that such surprise welcome ceremonies are a tradition of the ministry to celebrate major accomplishments.
In a social media post made on Monday, March 30, 2026, Ablakwa wrote, “I have become aware of an intended surprise welcome by staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs scheduled for my arrival in Ghana tomorrow.
My checks with the Ministry’s management indicate that such surprise welcome ceremonies are a tradition of the ministry to celebrate major accomplishments and proud moments for Ghana.
I have expressed my appreciation to management for their thoughtful gesture and instructed that all such plans to offer me a surprise welcome at the Airport be cancelled immediately.
I would have strongly opposed the idea if I had been consulted. This is not a personal victory, and besides, there is more work ahead of us.
God bless all our dynamic and talented staff at the MFA and bless our dear country even more to keep winning on the global stage under the guidance of President John Mahama.
For God, Country and Continent”.
See the post below:
Interesting tradition: show up and be seen. You are either with the delegation or at the airport to send off and to welcome back. But who is manning the shop? President Mills was not very fond of that. He was satisfied to be seen off by his Vice and/or his Chief of Staff.…
— Cadman Atta Mills (@CadmanAttaMills) March 29, 2026