Busia family commends John Mahama

Wenchi (BA), July 28, GNA - The family of the late Prime Minister of Ghana, Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia has commended the running mate to Professor John Evans Atta Mills, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for showing recognition to Ghana's political heroes.

Nana Afia Frema, younger sister to Dr. Busia noted that, Mr. John Dramani Mahama had displayed a rare leadership quality by visiting the tomb of the late Prime Minister as part of his campaign tour of the Brong Ahafo Region.

She said, "there are some who claim to be followers of Dr Busia but when they come to Wenchi, they do not visit his (Dr Busia's) home". Nana Frema said, "I dumbfounded by this visit."

Nana Kwasi Appiah, 90, Head of the Busia Family said Mr Mahama's visit was one of the greatest surprises of his life and depicted a symbol for unity, respect and humility which needed to be emulated by politicians who sought high office.

"In fact, I have been seeing Mr Mahama on television and had admired his calm and persuasive debating skills and while he stood before me here, he radiates those qualities," said Nana Appiah. Mr John Mahama said "the country had to recognize and appreciate the work of its political leaders and whether we like it or not, it was through their efforts that we have the current dispensation of multi-party democracy."

He said the NDC recognized that every leader has contributed in one way or the other to the development of the nation and those events gave us the Ghanaian history.

Mr. Mahama said, "my father was a Minister in the Convention People's Party (CPP) regime under Dr Kwame Nkrumah while Dr Busia was the leader of the opposition at that time."

He said despite that political difference on ideology between his father's party and that of Dr Busia, "I have related very well with some members of the Dr Busia family". He said there was the need for political tolerance and that this year's election should not be turned into a battle ground because of unfairness or cheating.

With Mr. Mahama were Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni, a leading member of the NDC, Mr Mike Obuobi, a representative of the North American wing of the NDC and Mrs Agnes Adoma, deputy national women organizer of the party.