President Mills is dead

The president of Ghana, President John Evans Atta Mills is dead. I told my brother that this is the second time in my life, the first being Olof Palme, that a country leader has died in a country I in which live. But you don't live there, he objected. Well, no matter where I am in the world, my heart is in Accra and the news hit me with shock. Despite the fact that I don't share his political stance, I find his death sad, especially as it seems he spent the last four years of his life (allegedly) disguising the state of his health, whilst pursuing two election campaigns and trying to run a nation. My condolences go to his family and loved ones. Still, in the midst of sad news, I can't but wonder (and feel a twinge of excitement over), what effect will this have on the upcoming elections and the flailing Cedi? Also, when will Africa learn to follow the West's lead, by selecting and electing leaders in their mid-Forties, rather than late Sixties? And lastly, why am I holidaying in London when I should be following the stories and mourning in Ghana??? Here, you can see John Mahama being sworn in as the new President of Ghana. I am extremely curious to see the role he will play up until elections in December!