Premier Paula Cox has extended condolences to the Government and people of Ghana on the sudden passing of president John Atta Mills.The West African leader, who celebrated his 68th birthday on Saturday, was to have stood for re-election in December.His staff told news agency Reuters that he complained of pains on Monday and died early yesterday when his condition worsened. Ghanian newspapers speculated he was suffering from throat cancer or a sinus condition.Premier Cox said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I extend sincere condolence to the Government and people of Ghana on the sudden passing of president John Atta Mills.“President Mills served his country well and contributed to the consolidation of a tradition of stable democracy which Ghana has maintained since 1957 when it became the first African nation to declare independence.”Ms Cox noted that president Mills’ contribution “was not confined to the political arena as he was also a respected professor of law as well as an acknowledged expert on taxation”.“Evidence of the success of the late president’s efforts at contributing to the political stability of his country is reflected in the smooth transition of power to the newly sworn in president John Dramani Mahama to whom we also extend our best wishes for success in his new position,” said Ms Cox.“While mourning their loss, the people of Ghana can give thanks for the service of the late president, who provided a true example of a life well lived in the service of his country and people.”Ghana is regarded as one of the most stable and established democracies in Africa. Vice president John Dramani Mahama was sworn in within a matter of hours of president Mills’ death. He will serve as caretaker president until the elections in December.