Ghana's President John Atta Mills has died, Reuters reports.

"It is with a heavy heart...that we announce the sudden and untimely death of the president of the Republic of Ghana," his office said.

It said the president, 68, died a few hours after being taken ill but no further details were given.

He was cited by Us President as a model for African democracy and joined Mr. Obama at G-8 meeting alongside Prime Minister Meles at Camp David in May.