President John Dramani Mahama has described former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a worthy opponent in the game of politics.
Delivering his inaugural address at the Independence Square in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Mahama said the handing over ceremony “feels a bit like a déjà vu,” as they both had handed over to each other in their leadership roles.
“That is because eight years ago on this day, on January 7, 2017, we shared this same space and performed this same transitional exercise,” he added.
“At the time, I was the outgoing president, having served one term, and he was the incoming president, having been given a mandate by the people of Ghana to lead this great nation of ours”.
“He and I both understood on that day, as I’m sure we are today, that it is the people of Ghana that we are elected to serve”.
President Mahama said somehow, it seemed fitting that it was with former President Akufo-Addo that he twice shared the handing over stage, which had a unique historical distinction, because they both began their national political careers in Parliament the same year; 1996.
“He (former President Akufo-Addo) had always greeted me with warmth, a firm handshake and a smile, and he is perhaps the only person in my life who has persistently chosen to call me Johnny,” President Mahama said.
“While we belonged to opposing political parties, we shared a sense of mutual respect,” he said, adding that little did they know that destiny would bring them to the leadership of their respective parties.
President Mahama extended his warmest wishes to former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who was his closest contender in the December 7, 2024 general election.
“It was a grueling campaign, and we gave it our all. Your sportsmanship in making an early concession eased tensions and contributed to the early conclusion of the electoral contest. I wish you all the best in your endeavours,” the President said.
GNA
