16/11/2015
AKUFO-ADDO MARKS 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF
ALHAJI ALIU MAHAMA’S DEATH
Shakespeare’s inimitable language, in the
mouth of Mark Anthony, during his celebrated
funeral oration for Julius Ceasar, captures the
relationship I had with the late Alhaji Aliu
Mahama: “He was my friend, faithful and just
to me.” Dependable friend, faithful colleague,
just leader – the attributes of Aliu Mahama.
Today, November 16, 2016, marks three years
of the death of Alhaji Aliu Mahama – a day
when Ghana lost a patriot and dignified public
servant.
Indeed, the first of his faith in our history to
occupy the high office of Vice President of the
Republic, his conduct in that office was a
credit to all Moslems, and, indeed, to all
Ghanaians. Proud Dagomba, he personified the
best traits of the Ghanaian character – honest,
patriotic, responsible, tolerant.
It is not often that the New Patriotic Party
takes someone to its collective heart so
wholeheartedly, but the late Alhaji Aliu
Mahama managed to charm most people in the
party.
We met some twenty four years ago in Tamale
when I was busy helping to organise the
expansion of the Danquah Busia Memorial Club
in preparation for the formation of the New
Patriotic Party. He had an open house for all
and sundry, especially for adherents of our
common tradition. I recognised, from the
outset, his deep attachment to the values and
principles of the Danquah-Dombo-Busia
political tradition – the values of fairness and
opportunity, commitment to individual
freedom and human rights, respect for the
rule of law and the principles of democratic
accountability, and confidence in a dynamic
market economy as the best vehicle for
generating prosperity for the mass of our
people.
The cordial relations between us survived even
our competition for the leadership of the
party, and lasted till the unfortunate end.
Three years on, I still feel a deep, personal
loss.
On this day, and on behalf of the entire
membership of the NPP, we pledge to work to
keep the Aliu flame alight. To his spouse, Hajia
Ramatu Aliu Mahama, and the family, we pray
for Allah’s continued strength for them. I am
certain Aliu will have a smile on his face
knowing that his son, Farouk Aliu Mahama ,
has named his new-born 2-week old son Aliu
Mahama, in his honour.
May the Almighty Allah continue to bless him
and grant him eternal rest.
……signed……
Nana Akufo-Addo
2016 NPP Presidential Candidate
