President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, has described former President William Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a “worthy opponent”, recounting their years in politics.
John Mahama says he and Akufo-Addo both began their political journeys by being voted to represent their respective constituencies in Parliament in 1997, and have since climbed the ladder of leadership to where they are.
During his inaugural speech at the Black Star Square after his swearing-in Tuesday, January 07, 2025, John Mahama recounted the times they have been together and the mutual respect they’ve shared over the years, despite their differing political opinions, describing the immediate past President as an opponent worth his salt.
Describing Akufo-Addo’s relationship with him, Mahama said “he has always treated me with a warm, firm handshake and a smile and perhaps he is the only person in my life who has persistently chosen to call me ‘Johnnie’.”
He further explained that “while we belong to opposing political parties, we shared a sense of mutual respect. In those early days we probably could not have imagined that destiny would bring us to the leadership of our respective parties and that we would have to face off, three separate times to each vie for the highest office of the land.”
“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, we entered Parliament together, with a full head of black hair, and you with the same bald head and round eye-glasses, I have to say that you have without exception, been a worthy opponent,” he added.
