65-year-old who 'walked' to Mahama's inauguration rewarded with vehicle

Alhaji Ayaana Yakubu, a 65-year-old man who reportedly walked from Kumasi to Accra to honour the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama on January 7, has been rewarded for his bold act.

An anonymous philanthropist recognised his effort by gifting him a brand-new Renault KWID car, an undisclosed sum of money, and shopping vouchers worth GH¢5,000.  

The presentation ceremony, held at Independence Square on January 8, 2025, was facilitated by broadcaster and showbiz personality Kofi Okyere Darko, popularly known as KOD. Sharing the moment on his Instagram account, KOD posted a video of the emotional handover, showing Alhaji Ayaana receiving the car keys and stepping into his new vehicle.  

Alhaji Ayaana’s journey has drawn significant attention, but questions remain about whether he completed the entire route from Kumasi to Accra. GraphicOnline is unable to independently verify the claim that the walk was fully completed as reported.  

Alhaji Ayaana is no stranger to symbolic acts of patriotism. His recent walk, reportedly undertaken to celebrate Ghana’s democracy, follows a history of similar initiatives.  

In 1997, he gained national attention for a walk to mark the second-term inauguration of former President Jerry John Rawlings. Two years later, in 1999, he organised a 16-kilometre peace and health walk in Tamale, advocating for unity and well-being. These acts underscore his long-standing commitment to grassroots change.  

KOD, reflecting on the presentation, expressed pride in recognising Alhaji Ayaana’s contributions. On social media, he wrote: “This afternoon, I had the honour of presenting Mr Yakubu—an extraordinary man who walked all the way from Kumasi to congratulate H.E. President Mahama—with a brand-new Renault car, an undisclosed amount of money, and shopping vouchers worth GH¢5,000 from Nineteen57.”  

The Creative President of Nineteen57 Clothing noted that the anonymous philanthropist who sponsored the reward was deeply moved by Alhaji Ayaana’s reported walk and felt compelled to show appreciation.  

Overwhelmed by gratitude

Speaking after receiving the gifts, Alhaji Ayaana expressed his profound gratitude to those who recognised his efforts.  

He revealed that, despite discouragement from some, including his children, who raised concerns about his health, he remained determined to undertake the walk for what he described as a worthy cause.  

“Although I was discouraged by people, including my children on health grounds, I was optimistic that the walk was for a good cause,” he said.  

He further extended his thanks to everyone who contributed to making his dream a reality.