President John Mahama on Thursday joined the generality of South Africans and the family of former South African President Nelson Mandela in praying for the Madiba "in this critical stage of his life", Information Minister Mahama Ayariga has disclosed.

Speaking at the Daily Press Briefing at the Flagstaff House, Kanda, on Thursday, Mr. Ayariga said the President like others across the world is monitoring very closely the health situation of the former South African leader.

Mr. Mandela has been in the hospital with a recurring lung infection and is said to be in critical condition. President Jacob Zuma has in his latest update on the former leader's condition assured South Africans that doctors were doing their best to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of the apartheid freedom fighter.