President John Dramani Mahama has thanked former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Evans Attah Mills for nurturing his political ambitions by giving him opportunities to serve in their governments.

President Mahama served as deputy minister and later substantive minister for communications in the Rawlings administration. He was also picked as running mate to professors Mills in the 2008 elections and subsequently became the Vice President when Prof Mills eventually won that elections.

Mr Mahama, speaking at the 24th anniversary of the formation of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the party’s headquarters on Friday June 10 said: “To my predecessors, President Jerry John Rawlings and President John Evans Atta Mills of blessed memory I also say ‘ayekoo’ we salute you.”

He added: “I John Dramani Mahama, I have been very fortunate to have cut my political teeth under your tutelage and supervision and I will forever be grateful.

“I stand on behalf of all the members of the NDC to express our appreciation for your sterling contributions and sacrifices that you have made to bring us where we are today.”