The well-known remark, “The president is angry, very angry. Heads will roll,” became Samuel Koku Anyidoho’s downfall. He made the statement on June 11, 2012, while defending his boss during a power outage at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where the Black Stars were scheduled to play. The comment sparked public outrage, and as criticism mounted, pressure from different quarters led to his dismissal. The decision was particularly painful for President Mills, who had been a father figure to Koku, but he did not hesitate to act.
Though the situation was difficult, Koku accepted his fate gracefully, understanding the tough position the president was in. Yet, his loyalty to Mills never wavered, and he remained committed to supporting him.
On July 24, 2012, tragedy struck when President Mills passed away unexpectedly. Koku was devastated, mourning as if his entire world had collapsed. While the country grieved the loss of a leader, and Mills’ family mourned a husband and father, Koku felt he had lost everything. His bond with Mills had been so deep that even when he fell seriously ill after working tirelessly on Mills’ campaign, it was the late president who visited and prayed for his recovery. Though he had a biological father, his connection with Mills was one of deep affection and mentorship.
After Mills’ death, Koku found himself sidelined from the Jubilee House, but he remained committed to honoring his late mentor’s memory. He played a significant role in organizing Mills’ funeral, ensuring it was a fitting tribute. However, following the grand event overseen by President Mahama, Asomdwe Park, where Mills was buried, fell into neglect. The site became overgrown, and loiterers took over, while the president’s tomb suffered damage. Koku refused to accept this and continuously called for action, but his appeals fell on deaf ears within the NDC.
Determined to see Mills honored properly, Koku approached President Akufo-Addo, whom he had previously criticized, and informed him about the dire state of Asomdwe Park. In response, Akufo-Addo assigned Koku the task of restoring the site. Grateful for the opportunity, Koku transformed the park into a beautiful and dignified resting place. However, his efforts were met with strong opposition from Mills’ family, who accused him of interfering with their relative’s grave. Despite his good intentions, Koku faced resistance from those who did not approve of his efforts.
Unshaken, he founded the Atta Mills Institute to uphold Mills’ legacy. This move prompted the NDC, which had previously neglected the late president’s resting place, to create a rival organization. Even Mills’ son, Kofi Atta Mills, publicly criticized Koku in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, despite his relentless dedication to his father’s memory.
Koku pressed on, securing support from Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to establish the Atta Mills Library and Guest House in Otuam, Mills’ hometown, which was inaugurated in 2024.
Despite these achievements, Koku continued to face hostility. Under President Mahama’s administration, NDC members vandalized Asomdwe Park, destroying the plaque bearing Koku’s and Akufo-Addo’s names on the bust he had erected in Mills’ honor. When the plaque was replaced, their names were omitted.
Koku’s political journey began when he left his job at Metropolitan And Allied Bank (MAB) at Mills’ invitation to enter politics. He later became Mills’ speechwriter, served as Head of Communications at the presidency from 2009 to 2012, and played a key role in the 2006–2008 campaign. From 2014 to 2018, he was Deputy General Secretary for Operations in the NDC.
Reflecting on loyalty, Koku posted on X:
“I thank God my loyalty to Mills is being recognized. Vindication lies in time’s womb. I remain loyal to God and country.”
Like the biblical David, who honored Jonathan, Koku’s loyalty to Mills never wavered. Though he never held high office and faced immense opposition, his devotion to Mills’ legacy remains unshaken. History will surely remember Samuel Koku Anyidoho.