Bad day for Akufo-Addo; but Mahama goes to his rescue

For a Presidential hopeful who is touted as the most popular in his party, one would have expected that an overwhelming show of this popularity should come from home ground in the Eastern Region, which is also his party’s stronghold, aside from the Ashanti Region.

If for nothing at all, ‘Odwira’, the traditional festival of the people of Akuapem, who are linked by blood with the people of Kyebi, could pass for an occasion where the 2012 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, should enjoy massive visibility and recognition.

But unfortunately, the tall list of New Patriotic Party stalwarts from the region could not get Nana Addo register on the minds of the people during last Friday’s ‘Odwira’ celebration, when he escaped the attention and mind of the organizers for mention and introduction.

Despite the large gathering, many of whom were from the region, Nana Addo’s arrival to the festival grounds was not met with an expected cheer, as compared to what was given to other high profile personalities.

His fate continued to the point where, of all the dignitaries who were mentioned and introduced, Nana Addo was left out.

It had to take the wisdom of the President John Dramani Mahama, who was attending the festival, to save the 2012 NPP flagbearer, when he, before the start of his address, cleverly introduced Nana Addo, who was all the while intermittently cleaning his eyeglasses.

Long before this incident, Nana Addo’s height had become a challenge, as he was blocked by the macho-looking men who were escorting him, among other NPP heavyweights, to go and exchange pleasantries with the Omanhene of Akuapen and other divisional chiefs.

However, this could not pass as an excuse for his not being recognized by the large crowd of Akropong indigence, who were at the event. The men was simply given cold welcome.

Member of Parliament for Okere, Mr. Dan Botwe, former Finance Minister, Mr. Yaw Osafo Maafo, MP for Lower West Akim, Madam Gifty Klenam, Lawyer Kwame Akufo, MP for Abuakwa South, Atta Akyea and the National Women Organizer of the NPP, Otiko Djaba were all part of the delegation who gave Nana Addo encouragement to continue the exchange when the crowd ignored his presence, but at the same time covered him with their heights.

With what was seen as shunning of Nana by the Akuapem people, 'The Enquirer' observed that Mr. Frank Agyekum, the spokesperson of former President John Agyekum Kuffuor, and Mr. Philip Longdon, Mr. Alan Kyerematen supporter, quickly ran to stand behind the dais to begin a discussion.

What made the development bad for Nana Addo was the fact that in spite of him walking from his seat in the opposite direction to go and exchange greetings with Fit-Lt. Jerry Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu, who were both sitting on the high table, Nana Addo, was still overlooked during the introduction of the gurus that had come for the celebrations.

Despite all that happened, some diehard supporters of the twice defeated NPP flagbearer, were around to sing his praise, while highlighting his 2012 major campaign promise of giving free secondary education.

The festival, which also marked the 40th anniversary of the Omanhene of the Akuapem, Nana Addo Dankwah III, was the first time all the divisions of Akuapem came together as a united people to celebrate the festival after some disputes.

President Mahama called on other paramount chiefs to bury their differences, saying it is only in an atmosphere of peace that development can take place.