Former South African President, Frederik Willem de Klerk, has extolled the leadership qualities of Nana Akufo-Addo, describing him as an “exceptional” leader.

According to Mr. Klerk, Nana Akufo-Addo is an example for Ghana and the continent as a whole.

“What Nana Akufo-Addo has done is a sign of good leadership. Nana Akufo-Addo’s reaction after the Supreme Court Verdict was appreciated beyond Africa. I admire the way you conducted yourself and your matured attitude has helped to further deepen Ghana’s growing democracy,” he said.

Former South African President was speaking when he called on the 2012 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), at his residence, on Tuesday.

Frederik Willem de Klerk was the seventh and last State President of apartheid-era South Africa, serving from September 1989 to May 1994.

Whilst commending Nana Akufo-addo for “making an example” for Ghana, Mr. de Klerk called for reforms in the country’s electoral system.

“There is the need for electoral reforms. Ghana should also look at experiences elsewhere for the reforms,” he said.

He lauded Nana Akufo-Addo’s capacity and competences, expressing confidence in his ability to help with the growth and development of Ghana even in these circumstances.

On his part Nana Akufo-Addo thanked the former South African President for calling on him.

He said the political tradition that he represents have been at the forefront of the struggle for democracy in Ghana for over forty years.

He said the forebears of the NPP fought for a free society with freedom of speech and the rule of law thriving and he will be the last to veer from these principles as leader of the party.

Nana Addo was however quick to add that most of the credit should be given to the Ghanaian people for their good sense of belief in the democratic process.

He said once Ghana is practicing multi-party democracy, differences will surely abound in views and opinions but those should not divide the people.