The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on Saturday described the former late Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama “as a friend, and staunch believer in democracy and a voice of moderation who could speak across the parapet.

“A man who was always at ease, smiling, no matter the situation; affable and chose his few words carefully and measured in his ways.

“We have no doubt in our minds that these qualities are what enabled him to distinguish himself in every field of endeavour that he found himself, be it in Politics, Private Enterprise or Sports Administration.”

A statement issued by the IEA and copied to the Ghana News Agency explained that its first contact with Alhaji Mahama started with his elevation to the high office of Vice President.

According to the Institute the relationship started in 2006 when the West African Political Parties Programme (WARPP) was initiated, noting that Alhaji Mahama was instrumental in its success.

“His sage counsel, his behind-the-scenes support and open door ensured that Ghana became a shining example in that Programme, whose main objective was to bring over 20 political parties across the West African sub-region to share experiential knowledge, network among themselves on issues of common interest and form a bulwark against democratic retrogression in West Africa.

“We particularly remember his hospitality and relevant advice when he received a delegation from La Cote d’Ivoire in his residence on… a weekend.

“He saw the WARPP as shattering the walls of isolation that had previously stood between West African politicians and political parties and asked all present to leverage the benefits of the Programme to ensure that their citizens enjoyed the true fruits of democracy.

“His relationship with the IEA continued till his demise. Indeed his last public appearance was at the first of the IEA's 2012 Presidential Debates in Tamale on Tuesday, October 30.

“There, he graced the Debate with his amiable presence as a distinguished guest. We were indeed expecting him at the Vice Presidential Debate in Takoradi when we were informed that he had been rushed to the hospital.

“In a difficult time like this, our prayers are with the nation and his family. He served his time and he served his nation well.

“May the earth lie lightly on his remains and may God receive his gentle soul into the place of Eternal Rest. Damirifa Due!”