You have been a “‘worthy opponent”- Mahama Hails Nana Addo

In a moment of political reflection and camaraderie, President John Dramani Mahama recognised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a “worthy opponent” during his swearing-in ceremony on January 7, 2025, at Independence Square in Accra.

Delivering his inaugural address, Mahama acknowledged the shared history and mutual respect that have defined their decades-long political careers, highlighting the significance of their intertwined journeys.

“Today’s exercise between the outgoing president, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and I feels a bit like déjà vu,” Mahama said. “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, and he was the incoming president. Somehow it seems fitting that it is with Nana Akufo-Addo that I twice shared this stage and this unique historical distinction.”

Reflecting on their shared political journey, Mahama recounted how he and Akufo-Addo began their national political careers together in Parliament in 1996. Despite their opposing political affiliations, Mahama described a relationship grounded in mutual respect and warmth.

“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 remarked, drawing laughter from the audience.

Mahama, acknowledging this as their final meeting in such circumstances, expressed his admiration for Akufo-Addo’s legacy as a political rival.

“Nana, as this will be our final meeting under these circumstances, and as I look back on the journey we have travelled together… I have to say that you have, without exception, been a worthy opponent,” he said, striking a tone of respect and camaraderie.