President John Dramani Mahama has extended heartfelt commendations to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, acknowledging him as a “worthy opponent” throughout their political journey.
“Today’s exercise between the outgoing president His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and I feels a bit like déjà vu,” Mahama said in his inaugural speech at his inauguration ceremony, reflecting on their shared history.
“Eight years ago, to this day, January 7, 2017, we shared this same space and performed this same transitional exercise. 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.”
Mahama highlighted the mutual respect and understanding that has characterized their relationship, despite their political differences.
“He and I both understood on that day, as I am sure we are today, that it is the people of Ghana that we are elected to serve,” he said. “Somehow, it seems fitting that it is with Nana Akufo-Addo that I twice shared this stage and this unique historical distinction.”
The President reminisced about their early days in Parliament, noting their long-standing camaraderie.
“Nana Akufo-Addo and I began our national political careers in Parliament in the same year, 1996. He has 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 Johnnie,” Mahama shared, drawing smiles from the audience.
As Mahama looked back on their journey, he expressed his admiration for Akufo-Addo’s steadfastness.
“Nana, as this will be our final meeting under these circumstances, and as I look back on the journey we have travelled together—two much younger men who entered Parliament together, you with a full head of black hair and me with the same bald head and round eyeglasses—I have to say that you have without exception been a worthy opponent.”
