President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid tribute to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who worked diligently to ensure the party won the 2016 presidential and parliamentary election but could not live to witness the day.

Speaking at the party’s thanksgiving service at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday December 18, Mr Akufo-Addo listed some fallen heroes of the party and described their absence at the time of the party’s victory as sad.

“Some of our most loyal companions have not made it to this most famous and emphatic victory. It is sad that Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who so distinguished himself in the office of vice president of the republic, could not witness this day. It is heart- breaking that Otanka Obetsebi Lamptey, my childhood friend, is not here by my side today to savour the moment,” he stated.

“It is difficult to accept that Adams Mahama, the dynamic chairman of our party in the Upper East Region, is not here with us. It is tragic my cousin and political neighbour J.B Danquah- Adu is not here with us. It is sad that..Peter Wiafe Pepera is not here. It is painful that young, bright and cheerful Kwabena Boadu is not here with us and that Abubakar Saddique should miss this occasion. We remember them and many others and acknowledge the role they played to bring us this far.”

The inter-denominational thanksgiving service was organised to thank God for the party’s victory in the just-ended presidential and parliamentary elections. It was on the theme: ‘Psalm 20 vs 5: We will rejoice in thy salvation and in the name of our God. We will set up our banners. The Lord fulfil all thy petition.’

In attendance was Vice President-elect Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, all NPP Members of Parliament-elect, the leadership and supporters of the party.