The outgoing President John Dramani Mahama had some kind words for the incoming President, Nana Akufo-Addo when he delivered his last State of the Nation address in Parliament House on Thursday morning.
Unlike during the electioneering campaign towards December 7, 2016, when President Mahama described Akufo-Addo [Opana] as a divisive character, this time around he said he had worked with Nana Addo in Parliament for 12 years and had “utmost respect for him.”
“Given our history, especially that we have each had our turn on each side of a presidential election, it would seem only natural for us to be considered opponents- worthy opponents is the description generally used in the world of sports,” President Mahama said.
Explaining how long he had known the President-elect he said: “I first entered this house as MP for Bole Bamboi in January 1997. It was, perhaps not coincidentally, the same year that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo entered as MP for Akyem Abuakwa.
"Taking breaks from the business of the house to grab something to eat at the snack bar, Nana Addo always stood at the end of the counter, his signature white handkerchief tucked into his sleeve. “Johnny” he would shout in greeting as he preferred to call me. Incidentally we both served three terms in this house, departing together in January 2009.”
“This is how long I have known the president-elect and worked with him. I have the utmost respect for him,“ President Mahama said.
Adding he said: “In fact, Mr. Speaker, we are all on the same team. We worked together when I served as Ranking member on the Committee of Foreign Affairs at a time Nana Addo was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration."
He maintained one of the issues on which they crossed swords was the murder of some Ghanaian youth in the Gambia.
"It is instructive that as I leave office and he takes my place, Gambia once again is a nation that is engaging international attention."
President Mahama concluded that he was assured by the firm statements by Nana Addo that he will continue the projects started by him as enjoined by the constitution.
“I wish him all success in this regard. As I have said many times already, regardless of whose tenure in which these visions come to fruition, its success belongs to Ghana. They belong to all of us.”
He said political opposition and differences of opinion were vital to the health and growth of a democracy and that political parties were formed when people of similar ideology come together to move their agenda forward in a way that best serves their country.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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When DEFEAT knocks down ARROGANCE, CORRUPTION AND DISRESPECT. Time changes. 'Obiaa ankuwo a, woara wo bewu'! CHANGE HAS COME!
We must all learn to cover ower negative sides. It is not hypocrisy. It is the nature of God in us. It is called self control. Although you may want to weep you laugh; other times although you may want to laugh, you weep. If you disagree with me undress wherever you are and show your true body or stop wearing your hair, perfume and skin toner. That is the side of leadership you are witnessing and so do not be surprised.
Do not mind the politicians. They have two tongues, the one for campaign and the one for diplomacy. This is what their followers must do. I have learnt a lot from all the past present and elect presidents. Everyone of them has good sides and bad sides. The bad sides are very negligible yet people for political expediency maximise them.
Wonders shall never cease indeed, now the Ex-to-be has great respect for opana! ns3m piii!
So Mr President, you are telling Ghanaians that you have utmost respect for a man you described as divisive, arrogant and a dictator? You claim to have known him for over twelve years and you tell Ghanaians that this man, Opana, is so intolerant that he will even sack chiefs and even kill for political power. Mr President, you know all these about the man Akufo Addo and yet you tell us that you have utmost respect for him? JM, you are such a H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.T.E and a big L.A.I.R. May the good Lord forgive you.
Since when did JM realize Akuffo Addo is highly respected and revered in Ghana, you and your advisors like Kwasi Pratt vilified him from left right center . Massa all the evil things and corruptt practices will defnately be investigated, woe be ties u if any of u is found culpable, see how power is used wisely
am beginning to see the good in the man now that he's leaving office. too bad.
You have respect for him and yet, you are appointing people into public positions eventhough you have been voted out of power. Why don't you allow Nana to appoint these people himself when he assume office. Respect paaa. Hmmmmmmmmmm. When the table turns, speech changes. But, THE BATTLE IS STILL THE LORDS. AMEN.
You know and have utmost respect for him; and you and your cohorts had the nerve to call him names? Shame unto you all; God has s..h..i..t.. on you all!!!
Now no more name calling like Opaana and the stuffs, Alhaji Sinare says if NDC doesnt win the election ghanaians should come for him....