Mahama Pays Tribute To Akufo-Addo In Inauguration Speech: "Worthy Opponent"
- President John Mahama paid tribute to Nana Akufo-Addo in his inaugural speech after being sworn in
- Mahama described Akufo-Addo as a worthy political opponent and recalled their storied history together
- Mahama also praised Mahamudu Bawumia, his main opponent, for his early concession in the election
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John Mahama was magnanimous towards his successor, Nana Akufo-Addo, when he gave his inaugural speech after being sworn in as the sixth President of Ghana's fourth republic.
Following a period of animosity as the NDC flagbearer campaigned for power, Mahama was full of kind words for the man who he said wrecked the country and sunk it into an abyss.
Source: Facebook
During his inauguration speech, Mahama called Akufo-Addo a worthy opponent.
“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. While we belong to opposing political parties, we shared a sense of mutual respect.”
“...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, with my full head of black hair and you with the same bald head and round eyeglasses, I have to say that you have without exception been a worthy opponent.”
Mahama also praised Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his quick concession in the election less than 24 hours after the election he won with an overwhelming mandate.
“Your sportsmanship in making an early concession eased tensions and contributed to the early conclusion of the electoral contest. I wish you all the best in your endeavours.”
Expressing appreciation to Ghanaians, the President acknowledged the confidence reposed in him and lauded the voters' courage to choose the NDC.
“To the millions of my fellow countrymen and women who joined long queues and waited in the sun for their turn to vote for me, you have my sincerest thanks."
President Mahama’s speech focused heavily on addressing Ghana’s economic difficulties.
One of the standout promises of his presidential campaign was the introduction of a 24-hour economy, which was featured in the speech.
“We envisage an innovative and vibrant 24-hour Ghanaian economy, which will also be anchored in agriculture and agribusiness."
Ghana swears in first woman Vice President
YEN.com.gh reported that Ghana made history as Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang became the first woman Vice President of Ghana.
In 2020, Mahama chose Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate and stuck with her in 2024 despite the unusual and tense presidential bid.
In his inauguration speech, Mahama said this bit of history symbolised a commitment to fostering gender equality and representation.
Proofread by Bruce Douglas, senior copy editor at YEN.com.gh
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Source: YEN.com.gh
