The 2016 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo, has extended his deepest sympathy and solidarity to the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah, which occurred on January 23, 2015, in Riyadh.

Together with the leadership of the NPP, led by National Chairman, Mr Paul Afoko; 2016 vice presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; 1st vice National Chairman, Mr. Freddie Blay; General Secretary, Mr. Kwabena Agyepong and National Nasara Co-ordinator, Kamal Deen Abdulai, Nana Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, January 27, visited the residence of the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Ghana to sign a book of condolences opened in honour of the late King.

Dr. Bawumia, Mr. Paul Afoko and Mr. Kwabena Agyepong also took turns to sign the book of condolences and paid their last respects to King Abdullah, who died at age 90.

In his brief remarks, Nana Akufo-Addo told the Saudi Ambassador to Ghana, H. E Hesham Meshal Swailem Al-Sowalem, “the NPP deemed it necessary to come and sympathise with the people of Saudi Arabia following the news of the passing of King Abdullah, who proved to be a wise ruler with a commendable interest in education.”

He expressed hope that the closeness and strength of bilateral relations that existed between Ghana and Saudi Arabia under the reign of King Abdullah will continue to grow even stronger under the new King of Saudi Arabia, King Salman, to the mutual benefit of the two populations. The NPP flagbearer, on behalf of the Party, also wished King Salman well.

On his part, H. E Hesham Meshal Swailem Al-Sowalem thanked Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP for the kind gesture, and wished the Party and Ghana “all the best in your endeavours.”

Also present were Party elder, Sheikh I.C Quaye, former Greater Accra Regional Minister and former Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central; and Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Ghana's former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.