65-year-old man plans to walk over 250-km Kumasi - Accra journey for Mahama’s swearing-in as President

A 65-year-old man has planned to walk the over 250-km Kumasi—Accra journey on January 7, 2025, to attend John Dramani Mahama's swearing-in as President of Ghana.

The Tamale-based businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Ayaana, intends to travel to Kumasi by vehicle and then continue on foot from Kumasi to Accra, covering a distance of over 250 km.

He is planning to use three days for that journey, starting on January 5 and ending on January 7, the date for the swearing-in ceremony.

The 65-year-old man told journalists the move is his way of honouring the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama on his victory in the 2024  presidential election. 

This is not the first time Alhaji Yakubu has undertaken such a symbolic journey. 

In 1997, he reportedly walked to commemorate former President Jerry John Rawlings’ swearing-in for the second term. In 1999, he also organised a 16-kilometre peace and health walk in Tamale on Independence Day to promote national unity and health.

The businessman announced his latest initiative on Saturday, Dec 21, after completing a 19-kilometre health walk from the Yakubu Tali International Airport in Tamale to the Jubilee Park also in Tamale.

The Tamale walk was organised to celebrate Ghana’s peaceful 2024 elections.

The walk was also used to express gratitude to Ghanaians for overwhelmingly voting for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections.

Alhaji Yakubu expressed the hope that the President-elect would fulfil his campaign promises, particularly the reduction of Hajj costs, a pressing issue for Muslims in Ghana.

“This year, pilgrims using my agency paid about GH¢40,000, while others paid as much as GH¢75,000 for the same Hajj. Reducing the Hajj fare, as promised, will ease the burden on Muslims wishing to perform their pilgrimage,” he said.

He also urged President Mahama to "prioritise decentralising visa issuance and biometric verification processes to the regional level. This will make it easier for pilgrims from the northern regions, who often face challenges travelling to Accra for these processes."

For his part, a traditional healer, Baako Alhassan, who joined the walk, highlighted the importance of physical exercise.

He described Alhaji Yakubu’s initiative as a testament to resilience and patriotism, urging others to emulate his dedication to health and national unity.

Writer's email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh