During his tour of the Northern Region, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has swiped at former President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking at an event in GNAT Hall- Tamale, with stakeholders and traditional leaders, Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy as a leader.
During his address, President Akufo-Addo compared the legacies of past presidents to that of John Mahama, noting that each former leader is remembered for specific achievements.
“When you mention the name of JJ Rawlings, district assemblies come to mind. When you mention the name of John Agyekum Kufuor, the National Health Insurance Scheme comes to mind. When you mention the name Akufo-Addo, Free Senior High School comes to mind.
“But when you mention John Mahama, all you hear is ‘dumsor.’ that’s what we hear, We want someone who’s going to take our country forward, not backward.”
H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
This statement was made in the context of Akufo-Addo’s broader message about the need for leadership that propels the country into progress, rather than one associated with setbacks and challenges.
Akufo-Addo’s Northern Tour and Gratitude
The President’s visit to the Northern Region was part of a three-region tour that included the Northeast, Savannah, and Northern Regions.
The tour’s purpose was to express his gratitude to the chiefs and people of these regions for their continued support as his tenure as president nears its end.
stakeholders, including traditional leaders in the region. He paid courtesy calls on the Yaa Naa, the overlord of Dagbon, and the Yoo Naa, among others.
The President reiterated his appreciation for the people of these regions, particularly for the support given to his administration throughout his time in office.
Acknowledgment of Yaa Naa’s Leadership
At the Gbewaa Palace, President Akufo-Addo lauded the leadership of the Yaa Naa and the Member of Parliament for the area for their roles in ensuring peace in the Dagbon Kingdom.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of traditional leadership and its potential to foster reconciliation and peace in conflict-prone areas.
“What has happened here in Dagbon is a great example to all the traditional institutions of our country. People, when they work together, can get positive results.”
H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
Akufo-Addo stated. He continued, “You are an example of what a wise, sagacious, forward-looking chief can do for his people.”
Reflecting on His Time in the Office
President Akufo-Addo also reflected on his time as president, acknowledging that his second and final term is coming to a close.
“The constitution of our country, which I respect very much, says that no Ghanaian can occupy the office of president for more than two terms. I need to step down in three months’ time.”
H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
He continued, explaining the reason for his tour across the Northern Regions: “It is right for me to go around and thank the people of Ghana. And that is why I’m here today to come and say goodbye to you and the people of Dagbon.“
Yendi’s Transformation and Akufo-Addo’s Role
The President highlighted the transformation of Yendi, a significant town in the Dagbon Kingdom, under the leadership of the Yaa Naa.
“I’m happy to say that it is in your time, Yaa Naa, that Yendi became a new city. It’s all a blessing for you.”
H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
Moreover, the President underscored his administration’s role in restoring peace to the Dagbon Kingdom. The overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa, also commended Akufo-Addo for his efforts in facilitating reconciliation in the kingdom.
The peace in Dagbon, according to Akufo-Addo, served as a model for other traditional institutions in Ghana, demonstrating that cooperation can lead to stability and progress.
President Akufo-Addo’s tour of the Northern Regions not only served as a platform to express gratitude for the support of the chiefs and people but also as an opportunity to critique his political opponents and emphasize his administration’s achievements.
His remarks on John Mahama’s legacy, particularly the focus on dumsor, reinforced his message that Ghana needs leadership that moves the country forward.
Furthermore, his recognition of the peace and development in Dagbon under the leadership of the Yaa Naa highlighted his government’s role in fostering unity and progress in one of Ghana’s most historically divided regions.
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