President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has for the first time spoken about his inaugural speech plagiarism gaffe, but on a lighter note.
Nana Akufo-Addo courted international embarrassment when it became evident that aspects of his inaugural speech on January 7, 2017 were plagiarized quotes of two former US presidents – George Bush and Bill Clinton.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service at the Ridge Church in Accra for successfully taking over the administration of Ghana, the president amused the congregation when he sourced a quote from the Bible and reminded them that he had purged himself of any form of plagiarism.
“I want to refer to the book of Lamentation 3: 25, 26: ‘The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord,’” he read from the Bible.
President Akufo-Addo then broke the silence in the church auditorium when he jokingly said, “End of the quote. I have had problems with quotes… so that there is no more confusion.”
Serving as Ghana’s fifth president, Nana Addo said he is “so proud and deeply humbled” to lead Ghana.
He charged Ghanaians to be proud of themselves after successful elections which paved way for him to assume power, urging everyone to help safeguard the peace being enjoyed in the country.
He was at the church service with his wife Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his spouse Samira Bawumia.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Prof. Cephas Omenyo, lauded the president over his pledge to protect the public purse.
“My heart leapt with joy when you made the important statement that you would protect the public purse. I am also encouraged by your own pledge in setting the personal example in upholding integrity and service and I pray that the Lord enables you to see the realisation of this noble intention,” he underscored.
The Moderator in a sermon called for the implementation of policies that will reorient the attitude of Ghanaians.
Rev Prof Omenyo noted that the president’s vision of transforming the country will not see the light of day if deliberate measures are not taken to change the attitude of Ghanaians to make them responsible citizens.
He urged Ghanaians to renew their sense of nationhood, trust in God and depend on Him for the blessing of the country.
The Speaker of Parliament, Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye, Finance Minister-designate Ken Ofori-Atta and Senior Minister-designate Yaw Osafo-Maafo were also present at the service.