You have proven to be a worthy opponent, Mahama informs Akufo-Addo.

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been acknowledged by President John Dramani Mahama as a worthy opponent.

Mahama reflected on his connection with Akufo-Addo in his inaugural statement during his swearing-in ceremony in Accra on Tuesday, January 7, highlighting the respect and friendship that have characterized their relationship over the years.

“Today’s exercise between me and His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the outgoing president, feels a little like déjà vu,” President Mahama said.

This is because we used the same space and carried out the same transitional exercise eight years ago today, January 7, 2017.

He was the incoming president at the time, having been elected by the Ghanaian people, and I was the departing president, having served one term.

“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.

Somehow it seems fitting that it is with Nana Akufo-Addo that I twice shared this stage and this unique historical distinction because Nana Akufo-Addo and I began our national political careers in Parliament in the same year, 1996.”

“He is possibly the only person in my life who has consistently chosen to call me Johnnie, and he has always greeted me with a smile, a firm handshake, and kindness.

Despite being members of different political parties, we respected one another.

Mahama said he admired Akufo-Addo as he reflected on their journey together.

“Since this will be our last meeting under these circumstances, Nana, I must say that you have always been a worthy opponent as I reflect on the journey we have taken together, two much younger men who entered parliament together, you with the same bald head and round eyeglasses, and me with my full head of black hair.”