With less than five months remaining in his tenure, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has started preparing for life after office, revealing plans for a peaceful retirement in his hometown of Kyebi. Speaking at the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) manifesto launch, the President shared his vision for the next chapter, expressing a desire to reconnect with familiar faces and enjoy a well-earned retirement.
In a light-hearted moment during his address, President Akufo-Addo hinted at his expectations for his former appointees to visit him at Kyebi, reminiscing about their time in office together. “…When I hear that noise and I go to Black Star Square on the 7th of January, then I’m off to Kyebi and I’m expecting to see some of you there in my retirement,” he said, addressing the party faithful and government officials gathered at the event.
The President also used the opportunity to express his confidence in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate, as his preferred successor. Akufo-Addo assured the party members that he remains optimistic about handing over to Bawumia, which he believes would maintain the NPP’s leadership legacy.
As President Akufo-Addo nears the end of his administration, he looks set to join an exclusive group of Ghana’s former heads of state. Upon his retirement, he will become one of only three living ex-presidents, alongside John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama, regardless of the outcome of the 2024 elections. President Kufuor retired to the Peduase Lodge, while former President Mahama continues to maintain an active presence in Ghanaian politics.
President Akufo-Addo’s choice of Kyebi, a place deeply tied to his roots and early upbringing, is significant. Kyebi, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, holds considerable historical and cultural importance, especially as the traditional capital of the Akyem Abuakwa State, where his family has played a central role. Retirement in Kyebi will offer the President a familiar and tranquil environment, away from the pressures of national office.
As the NPP gears up for the December 2024 elections, President Akufo-Addo’s remarks signal both a reflective tone and a forward-looking outlook. His emphasis on unity within the party and confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy serves as a rallying call for the NPP as they seek to extend their hold on power.
The President’s upcoming departure marks the end of an era in Ghanaian politics, and his retirement plans suggest a focus on relaxation and reflection in his hometown. For many of his appointees and loyal supporters, visits to Kyebi could soon become a tradition, where they reconnect with a leader who has played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s political landscape over the past eight years.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com