Akufo-Addo, Afoko exchange pleasantries at Kufuor’s birthday party

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Paul Awentami Afoko, came face-to-face for the first time in three years after the latter’s suspension from his position at the 80th birthday party of President John Agyekum Kufuor.

This is also the first meeting of both since the President became the Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces two years ago.

Mr Afoko who was seen beaming with smiles in an image that has gone viral shook hands with the president who was seated at the home of the former president.

The President who returned from Tamale after the 34th National Farmers Day Celebration was quoted to have said “Chairman, how are you? Longtime”

In response, Mr Afoko replied “Mr President, I am ok. I hear of you everyday”

Many are already wondering if the birthday of former President John Agyekum Kufuor has started the healing process in the party.

The NPP in the run-up to the 2016 elections suspended its Second Vice Chairman, Mr Sammy Crabbe, alongside Mr Kwabena Agyapong, after they were accused of publicly rebelling against the party’s decision to indefinitely suspend its National Chairman, Paul Afoko.

You are blessing to NPP, Ghana

Relatedly, former President John Dramani Mahama has described former President Kufuor as a blessing to his family, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the country as a whole.

In a message on his Facebook page commemorating President Kufuor’s 80th birthday which fell on Saturday, December 8, 2018, he wrote in a post MyNewsGh.com sighted

“Happy 80th Birthday President J.A. Kufuor. You have been a blessing to your family, your party and our dear nation, Ghana. May the good Lord continue to bless you and grant you good health and greater fulfillment”

Background

Former President Kufuor  who was born on December 8, 1938, celebrated his 80th Birthday on Saturday, December 8, 2018.

As the second President of the Fourth Republic, he was President of Ghana from January 7,  2001 to  January 7 2009.

He also served as Chairperson of the African Union (2007–08) and advanced the cause of the union as its leader.

His victory over John Evans Atta Mills after the end of Jerry Rawlings’ second term marked the first peaceful democratic transition of power in Ghana since the country’s independence in 1957.