This is a very special salute for my very good friend former President John Agyekum Kufour as he celebrates his 87thbirthday. Even though we fell apart after he won the 2000 elections over political and ideological issues, we have remained very good friends.
I have always admired ex-president Kufour for his effort to bridge the divide between the Danquah-Busia and the Nkrumah traditions. In 2000, he campaigned as a candidate sponsored by the two traditions and put up giant billboards of himself and Nkrumah throughout the country in contrast to what those who came after him.
At my request, President Kufour did not just take part but addressed the high-level international conference to mark the 80th anniversary of the 5th Pan African Congress in Manchester in 1945. His speech received one of the loudest applauses.
President Kufour has always demonstrated that it is possible to disagree on ideological and political issues and still be civil to each other.
Please Your Excellency, accept my congratulations on your 87th birthday.