John Atta Mills, the second child and first son among seven siblings, was born in Ekumfi Otuam, Ghana, to parents who were educators, and he went on to pursue his education at various institutions including Achimota School, the University of Ghana, and the London School of Economics, eventually earning a PhD in Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies.

In addition to his extensive academic career, John Atta Mills served as the Acting Commissioner and later the substantive Commissioner of Ghana's Internal Revenue Service from 1988 to 1996, and he held various visiting positions at universities around the world, including Temple University and Leiden University, while also participating in research fellowships such as the one at the Liu Institute for Global Issues in Vancouver in 2002.

In addition to his extensive academic career, John Atta Mills served as the Acting Commissioner and later the substantive Commissioner of Ghana's Internal Revenue Service from 1988 to 1996, and he held various visiting positions at universities around the world, including Temple University and Leiden University, while also participating in research fellowships such as the one at the Liu Institute for Global Issues in Vancouver in 2002.

During his presidency, Mills earned a reputation for integrity and calm leadership. Under his administration, Ghana began oil production in late 2010, and the economy experienced significant growth reportedly over 14% in 2011 propelling Ghana toward middle-income status. He also prioritized social development, including education initiatives such as distributing over 100,000 laptops, free school uniforms, and books; expanding the school-feeding program; and eliminating many schools under trees. In healthcare and infrastructure, his government upgraded hospitals, expanded the national ambulance service, scaled up the National Health Insurance Scheme, and advanced rural electrification from 54% to 72% coverage.

John Evans Atta Mills was married to Ernestina Naadu Mills, had a son named Sam Kofi Atta Mills, and was actively involved in sports administration, particularly in hockey, as well as being a board member of Hearts of Oak and a fan of Manchester United. He also had a close friendship with T.B. Joshua of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations in Nigeria, and identified as a Protestant in the Methodist tradition.

John Atta Mills, Ghana’s president, fell ill at the Castle, Osu, on 24 July 2012 and was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His sudden passing shocked the nation, coming just days after his 68th birthday.