The battle’s still the Lord’s – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says he will still depend on God “as we try to build Ghana”.

He, therefore, prayed for wisdom, strength, and humility, among other qualities, to lead “His flock the people of Ghana”. The president was speaking at a national thanksgiving service held at the Accra International Conference Center.

It was a service to thank God for the victory chalked by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in last year’s elections held exactly one year ago.

NPP’s slogan during the elections was: ‘The battle is the LORD’s’. Addressing the gathering on Thursday, the president stressed: “The battle is still the LORD’s as we try to build Ghana”.

Mr Akufo-Addo became the first candidate in opposition to beat an incumbent in elections in Ghana after polling 53.85 per cent of the total valid votes cast. Then President John Dramani Mahama polled 44.40 per cent.

The president, who is the second leader of his party to win elections in the Fourth Republic, paid tribute to the late Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, who died in March, 2016. He was buried later the next month. Thursday’s service was themed: ‘Thanking the LORD who won the battle for Ghana’.

It had in attendance Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira, ministers of state and several other government functionaries. The clergy was also in attendance.

Justices of the Supreme Court – most notably Justice William Atuguba – were also present.