The former President made the remarks at the 13th commemoration Aduwa of Alhaji Aliu Mahama in Accra on Sunday. He noted that Mahama was “a pillar in the history of this country and the NPP as a party.” Akufo-Addo recalled meeting him in the 1990s while building the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tamale and described him as a generous and hospitable host.

“This was a very honourable, respectable man, a man of great integrity, who worked very hard for our country, and his death continues to be a matter of profound sadness for me,” he added. Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to the Mahama family for remembering their late father and urged them to sustain his legacy.

Dr. Farouk Aliu Mahama, son of the late Vice President, said it had been 13 years since their father passed away, and the memory of the loss still weighed heavily on them. He recalled the lessons of humility, love, and passion for humanity that their father instilled.

Dr. Mahama described his father as a staunch patriot and stalwart of the NPP who honourably served both his country and his party. “It is said that great men never die. Alhaji Aliu Mahama was a great man, and his legacy lives on,” he stated. He also highlighted that Mahama rose from humble beginnings to become a certified engineer, accomplished contractor, and successful politician admired nationwide.

He noted that the Aliu Mahama Foundation, founded by his father, continues to serve as a social intervention vehicle supporting marginalized and needy communities across Ghana.

The commemoration was attended by Islamic scholars, politicians, heads of institutions, chiefs, family members, and citizens from across the country. The late Alhaji Aliu Mahama passed away on Friday, November 16, 2012.