Akufo-Addo pays emotional tribute to late Aliu Mahama

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid an emotional tribute to the late Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama during the 13th Commemorative Adua in Tamale.

He joined the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and his spous,e Samira Bawumia, alongside several dignitaries, to honour Ghana’s first Muslim Vice President on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Akufo-Addo described the commemoration as both a solemn moment of prayer and a period of personal sorrow for those who worked closely with Aliu Mahama.

Reflecting on their relationship, he recounted that their bond was forged in the 1990s during collaborative efforts to strengthen the New Patriotic Party in Tamale. He joked that, “We’ve been here since Nineteen Kojo Ho!” to underline the longevity of their friendship. He fondly recalled the late Vice President’s warmth and generosity. “His house was where we would all go to socialise and eat. He was a most generous and hospitable host,” he said.

Akufo-Addo praised Aliu Mahama’s character and service, noting that his values continue to inspire admiration across the nation. “This was a very honourable, respectable man, a man of great integrity, who worked very hard for our country, and his death continues to be a matter of profound sadness for me,” he stated.

He also expressed gratitude to the family for extending an invitation to participate in the remembrance ceremony.

“I am grateful to the family for remembering me and inviting me to be part of this ceremony, and I wish them, Farouk, his brothers, his sister, whom I call ‘photocopy’, all of them, the best of luck and the continuing blessings of the Almighty God,” he added.

The 13th Adua marks more than a decade since the passing of Alhaji Aliu Mahama, whose humility, devotion to public service, and commitment to national unity remain deeply respected across Ghana.

Alhaji Aliu Mahama was a Ghanaian statesman who served as Ghana’s first Muslim Vice President from 2001 to 2009 under President John Agyekum Kufuor.

During his political career, Aliu Mahama was known for his disciplined and humble approach to leadership. As Vice President, he played a key role in promoting national unity and development initiatives across the country.

He passed away on November 16, 2012, leaving a lasting impact on Ghanaian politics and society.