ACCRA, GHANA – Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed profound sorrow and paid tribute to the late former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away yesterday in London. Buhari, 82, died after a “prolonged illness,” according to his presidential press office.
Akufo-Addo described Buhari as a “good friend” and an “illustrious” figure. In a statement, the former Ghanaian leader lauded Buhari as an “outstanding Nigerian patriot and a staunch African integrationist,” highlighting his frequent visits to Ghana in his youth and his involvement in pivotal events of early independence, including the Nigerian Civil War.
Akufo-Addo recalled their collaborative efforts as presidents, particularly in developing the Accra Initiative, a blueprint aimed at strengthening operational collaboration against terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, and the southward spread of terrorist activities from the Sahel to Coastal States. He also credited Buhari with Nigeria’s significant commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area, which greatly enhanced its potential for success.
Former President Akufo-Addo concluded by stating that His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, will be remembered for his “exemplary patriotism, his commitment to a united Nigeria, and his deep concern for the social and economic development of the Nigerian people.” He offered prayers for Buhari’s soul to rest in perfect peace.
Muhammadu Buhari, a former major general in the Nigerian army, served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 before being democratically elected president, a position he held from 2015 to 2023. Nigeria’s current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has offered condolences to Buhari’s wife and dispatched his vice president to the UK to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
