Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has been celebrated not only for his political leadership but also for the remarkable personal health and resilience he demonstrated during his eight years in office during a thanksgiving mass held in his honour at the Accra Ridge Church on 18 January 2025.
Rt. Rev Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, the Anglican Bishop of Accra, offered a reflection on Akufo-Addo’s tenure, highlighting his good health and the protection he had experienced despite the immense pressures of his high-profile role.
“Despite traveling in vehicles and racing at top speed, he has not been in an accident. Despite all the challenges that can come with working in such a high-profile and stressful office, we have never heard that he has been admitted to the hospital,” Bishop Mensah Torto shared with the congregation, attributing this to the divine protection that had been bestowed upon the former president.
The Bishop continued, tying the former president’s experiences to a verse from the Bible, Lamentations 3:22, which says: “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed. For his compassions never fail; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
According to Bishop Mensah Torto, these words exemplify the unwavering grace that had accompanied Akufo-Addo throughout his presidency.
“God has been good to His Excellency and to his family,” he concluded, emphasizing that divine faithfulness had sustained the former president through his demanding time in office.
In addition to celebrating Akufo-Addo’s personal health and safety, Bishop Mensah Torto presented a citation to the former president.
The citation acknowledged the significant achievements of his administration, particularly in the areas of education, economic development, industrialization, and his unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
One of the standout initiatives, which has had a lasting impact on Ghana’s youth, was the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, which made secondary education more accessible to a wider population.
Moreover, the citation highlighted Akufo-Addo’s contributions to the Anglican Church in Ghana, recognizing his support for religious institutions during his time in office.
His work was seen as a testament to his belief in the importance of education, the economy, and the nurturing of spiritual and social values.
