The President, John Dramani Mahama, has described his relationship with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as cordial, marked by mutual respect and warmth.

Delivering his inaugural address on January 7, 2025, Mahama reflected on their shared political journey and acknowledged Nana Akufo-Addo's consistent demeanour toward him.

"Nana Addo has always treated me with warmth," Mahama stated. "That is because eight years ago to this day, on January 7, 2017, we shared this same space and performed this same transitional exercise. At the time, I was the outgoing president, having served one term, and he was an incoming president, having been given a mandate by the people of Ghana to lead this great nation of ours. He and I both understood on that day, as I’m sure we are today, that it is the people of Ghana that we are elected to serve", he remarked.

Reflecting on their political careers, Mahama noted that both he and Nana Akufo-Addo began their national political journeys in 1996.

"Somehow, it seems fitting that it is with Nana Akufo-Addo that I twice shared this stage and this unique historical distinction. Because Akufo-Addo and I began our national political careers in Parliament in the same year, 1996. He has always greeted me with warmth, a firm handshake, and a smile", he stated.

"Nana, as this will be our final meeting under these circumstances and as I look back on the journey we have travelled together—two men who entered Parliament together, with a 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," he remarked.

The President extended his best wishes to the immediate past Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, as part of his reflections on leadership and transitions in Ghana’s democracy.

JKB/EK

Watch the Swearing-in and Inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as President below: