Ambassador Said Djinnit, a Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General for West Africa has commended Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his contribution to incessant peace in Ghana.
“I admire the way you have conducted yourself," Said said referring to Akufo-Addo's posture after failing to emerge victorious in his challenge of the outcome of the 2012 polls.
The opposition leader accepted the August 29 judgement of the Supreme Court which dismissed the petition he filed challenging the legitimacy of President John Mahama, conceded defeat and called the president to congratulate him.
The Ambassador, who on behalf of Mr Ban Ki Moon - called on the 2012 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at his residence in Accra on Tuesday, added that "your matured attitude [in accepting the outcome of the petition] has helped to further deepen Ghana’s growing democracy”.
According to him, the UN has always been convinced about the strength of Ghana’s democracy, but added that this latest achievement by the opposition leader has impressed the world so much.
Sounding quite emotional, Ambassador Djinnit said “as an African, I continue to feel proud.”
He lauded Nana Akufo-Addo’s capacity and competences, expressing confidence in his ability to help with the growth and development of Ghana even in the current circumstances.
The UN envoy also commended Akufo-Addo for putting the interest of the country ahead of his personal political aspirations and considerations, assuring that the UN will continue to work with Ghana to help consolidate the democratic culture in the country.
On his part, Nana Akufo-Addo thanked the UN delegation for calling on him, saying he was happy to see an old friend elevated to the position currently occupied by the ambassador.
The opposition leader pointed out that the political force he represents has been in the forefront of the struggle for democracy in Ghana for over forty years, adding that forebears of the party fought for a free society with freedom of speech and a thriving rule of law.
He will be the last to veer from these principles as leader of the NPP, Akufo-Addo assured, but was quick to add that most of the credit should be given to Ghanaians for their good sense and belief in Ghana's democratic process.
Once it is a democracy, he said, differences will surely abound in views and opinions, but those should not divide the people.
