Akufo-Addo always uncomfortable with Mahama around - Aide

An aide to ex-President John Mahama, has revealed how President Akufo-Addo, is always uncomfortable and acts strangely in the presence of his predecessor, even at international events both are present, leaving many dignitaries in total disbelieve.

Stan Dogbe, suggested a deep-seated hatred haboured by Mr Akufo-Addo for Mr Mahama.

According to President Mahama’s aide, who had been by his side throughout his 8-years at the presidency, “it is trite knowledge that Nana Addo hates to be at the same function with John Mahama. In fact, this is a matter many international organizations have found puzzling. Only him can say why”.

Mr Dogbe, however, warned President Akufo-Addo,“….you cannot take one’s shine and glory away from him through actions such as this”.

Mr Dogbe, like many Ghanaians, had taken to Facebook to pour out his pent up emotions over a viral video edited and released by the Jubilee House in which Mr Akufo-Addo gave a cold handshake and discourteous body language to ex-President Mahama, at the maiden edition of the Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum in Accra on Wednesday.

President Akufo-Addo’s conduct, marred the beauty of the event to celebrate a man who symbolized peace when he was in-charge of the UN as Secretary General.

Mr Akufo-Addo, had exchanged warm pleasantries with many international figures, including the ex-presidents of other African countries with their palms locked in his grip for almost a minute and above, but his encounter with Mr Mahama was brief and almost nonexistent.

It was as though, President Akufo-Addo, did not want to shake hands with ex-President Mahama, as he avoided having any eye contact him by skipping the same pleasantries, he had shown other dignitaries just before and after his predecessor

While many have questioned the unfriendly nature of the handshake, others have said that the two may be avoiding each other due to their impending third encounter at the Presidency in December 2020, which promises to be acrimonious, but a third group described President Akufo-Addo’s demeanor at such an international event organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre in memory of the late UN boss, as petty.

Commenting on the issue which has dominated various media discussions; both social and mainstream, Mr Mahama’s aide wrote saying “all the NPP apologists and government operatives on here (Facebook) are lauding their leader for his disgraceful outing yesterday, re- his embarrassing gesture towards former President and NDC Leader, John Dramani Mahama”.

Referring to President Akufo-Addo, Mr Dogbe charged “…he may have his hatred for John Mahama just because they are political opponents, but please, we were taught in primary school and while growing up at home, why it is important to be polite and respect one another”, and “especially, as the president of our Republic and for that matter representing us at the Forum, President Akufo-Addo, didn’t have to disgrace our country in that manner”.

According to Mr. Mahama’s aide, “…people saw his (Akufo-Addo’s) body language there and his general improper outlook, and asked what was going on with him”.

Mr Dogbe, felt it was shameless and “great embarrassment to the Presidency” and Nana Akufo-Addo, having been “produced and shamelessly released by the Jubilee House without any gatekeeping check”.

Present were, The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, senior military officers from Ghana, Germany and other places. Also present were members of the diplomatic corps.

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, was also present aside other ex-presidents from other African countries.

The wife of the late Kofi Annan, Nane Maria Annan, called on policymakers to include youth and women in the discussions to ensure that their views and concerns were captured and implemented, adding that groups such as the youth formed a critical force in nipping in the bud the activities of violent extremism.

Below is what Stan Dogbe wrote yesterday.

All the NPP apologists and government operatives on here (Facebook) are lauding their leader for his disgraceful outing yesterday, re- his embarrassing gesture towards former President and NDC Leader, John DramaniMahama.

Now, listen.

He may have his hatred for John Mahama just because they are political opponents, but please, we were taught in primary school and while growing up at home, why it is important to be polite and respect one another.

Especially, as the president of our Republic and for that matter representing us at the Forum, President Akufo- Addo didn’t have to disgrace our country in that manner.

Yes, people saw his body language there and his general improper outlook, and asked what was going on with him, but the video (produced and shamelessly released by the Jubilee House without any gatekeeping check), which many participants have seen and shared, has caused great embarrassment to the Presidency of Ghana and to Nana Addo.

It is trite knowledge that Nana Addo hates to be at the same function with John Mahama. In fact, this is a matter many international organizations have found puzzling. Only him can say why, but you see, you cannot take one’s shine and glory away from him through actions such as this.

Let you all, my NPP friends, be reminded that Nana Addo today is our President, and for that matter his pronouncements, his actions and activities affect us as a country.

Stop disgracing us, Nana Addo.

John Dramani Mahama is John Dramani Mahama. You can’t beat him to it.