By Von Cofie
President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disclosed that he and President-elect John Dramani Mahama have known each other for over two decades.
The President says the duo have both served as Members of Parliament through their political parties in the early years of Ghana’s Fourth Republic and have remained friends since.
He made the remarks Wednesday morning, December 11, 2024, when President-elect Mahama and his transition team met with President Akufo-Addo.
“It has been a very warm and constructive feeling. The President and I have known each other for nearly 20 years. We met in Parliament in 1997 and have remained good, good, friends ever since,” he stated.
Speaking to the media after meeting with the President-elect, Akufo-Addo said the process was in order to ensure the nation functions effectively as a democratic polity.
“All of it is in order to make sure that our nation, Ghana, continues to march forward as a functioning, effective, democratic state, which respects the will of the people, which respects human rights and the rule of law and where we are all secure in our daily lives,” he stated.
He also disclosed that they spoke about the ongoing lawlessness in some places which he expressed appreciation to the President-elect for speaking to supporters of his party and the nation as a whole on Tuesday.
“We’ve spoken a little bit about the issues that have occurred, the seeming lawlessness that has taken place over the thing, and I expressed my happiness at his intervention yesterday in speaking to the country about what was going on and the reinforcing of the authority of the state to make sure that these matters are dealt with,” he stated.
On his part, John Mahama noted that the President has briefed him on the security of the state as well as the economy, adding that the transitional team will delve further into it.
“It was very cordial, and I think we were very happy to be together. Mr. President has given me a brief on the security situation, both internal and external, and also a short brief on issues to do with the economy.
“Of course, the transitional teams will drill down further into these matters, but I am happy at the assurance he is giving us that we’re going to work together in the interest of Ghana to ensure a seamless transition,” he stated.
