African of the Year award: We’re proud of you – Ramaphosa to Akufo-Addo

The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, has paid glowing tribute to Ghanaian leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, over his recognition by Forbes Magazine as the “African of the Year”.

At a state dinner held in honour of the visiting South African President at Jubilee House, on Saturday (4 December), Ramaphosa was full of praise for his Ghanaian counterpart for being adjudged the “African of the Year” by world’s renowned media entity, Forbes.

Ramaphosa extolled the virtues of President Akufo-Addo which led to Forbes awarding him the prestigious African of the Year crown.

“We are proud of this recognition, Your Excellency, because it speaks of your commitment, it speaks of your creativity, your innovation, and your clear strategic vision of what should happen in your own country, as well as on our beloved African continent,” he said.

Ramaphosa also stressed that the recognition of Akufo-Addo by Forbes is about his vision for Ghana, in particular, and the African continent as a whole.

“The recognition by the magazine is about your vision, not only for Ghana but for the people of our continent as well,” he said.

Not only was President Ramaphosa pleased with Akufo-Addo’s recognition as the “African of the Year”, but he was also impressed by the cultural heritage of the Ghanaian people.

“This morning, Your Excellency, you took me to Kumasi to show me the wonders of Ghanaian culture and spectacular traditions during the 50th Celebration of Nana Otuo Sriboe II of Juaben. I was deeply moved and impressed to see how Ghana has continued to keep true to the traditions of old, traditions that span generations and generations,” Ramaphosa said.

“I will go back to South Africa with vivid memories of a people who are together in the very peaceful spirit celebrating, and I was truly honoured and humbled that you did take me to see the wonders of Ghanaian culture and tradition.”

On his part, President Akufo-Addo thanked Ramaphosa and his delegation for their visit to Ghana, and reiterated his confidence that the visit will deepen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their peoples.

“For me, one of the essential pillars of our relations must be the mutual nurturing of our young people. They are the ones to inherit the legacy of our current cooperative endeavours, who should work towards preserving and further enriching it,” he said.

“With your visit, I am confident that a solid foundation for this new and mutually-beneficial cooperation has been laid, just as we have renewed our determination to work towards strengthening our common commitment to our continental organisation, the African Union.”