'Apologise' - Akomea tackles Mahama over past criticism of honorary awards

Third Vice National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akomea, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to apologise to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over his past criticism of honorary awards given to sitting presidents.

In a Facebook post on October 29, 2026, Akomea said Mahama’s recent receipt of an honorary doctorate from a university in Russia reminded him of the criticism he directed at Akufo-Addo when the former president received similar awards.

Read John Mahama's handwritten note after receiving honorary degree in Russia

The veteran politician said he was happy for Mahama but questioned why he had criticised Akufo-Addo for accepting honorary awards while in office, only to accept them himself as president.

“I was happy for my good friend President Mahama, but sad at the same time. President Akufo-Addo got some honorary awards in his time as President. I remember John Mahama's cruel commentary and criticism,” he wrote.

According to Akomea, Mahama had previously argued that honorary awards should be given to presidents after they had left office, when their records could be properly assessed.

He also recalled claims by Mahama that Akufo-Addo was using his position to influence universities to award him honorary doctorates.

“He said the awards to President Akufo-Addo were inappropriate. He said it was inappropriate for a sitting president to receive honorary awards. He said that it was best for Akufo-Addo to wait till after retirement from the presidency, for a proper appraisal to be made as to whether he deserved the honorary awards,” he recalled Mahama’s words.

Akomea criticised Mahama for accepting the awards, pointing out that he had received three or four honorary doctorates in less than two years in office, including the latest one in Russia.

“John Mahama has been president for less than two years. Counting the award in Russia, he has received three or four honorary doctorates,” he stated.

He questioned the apparent difference between Mahama’s past criticism of Akufo-Addo and his own acceptance of honorary awards while serving as president.

“For the sake of his Integrity, President Mahama owes President Akufo-Addo an unqualified apology on this matter of honorary awards,” Akomea added.

About the award:

The Russian University of Transport conferred an honorary doctorate degree on President John Dramani Mahama, making him the first sitting Head of State to receive the distinction from the institution.

From 2012 to 2026: 8 times Mahama has been awarded an honorary doctorate

The honour was awarded in recognition of President Mahama’s significant contributions to Ghana’s national development, with a particular focus on his investments in transport infrastructure, education, and professional training.

Read Nana Akomea's post below:

MAG/VPO

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