By Rachel Kakraba
Born on 29th March, 1944 the 78th Birthday of Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo was an eventful one this year.
It was not just a day of beautiful weather in the capital Accra, but a day that would go down in Ghana’s history books as one which brought the nation together to discuss issues of national interest.
The birthday of the President commenced on a usual note where goodwill messages flooded both social media and mainstream media platforms.
From individuals, government appointees, corporate Ghana, embassies among others many were well wishes.
“Happy 78th birthday to the first gentleman of the land Ghana Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo. Onyankopon mma wo nkwa aho) den wo mu Agya pa”
“Thank you, colleague first Nation Builder, for the introduction of Nation’s Builders Corps (NABCO)”
“Happy birthday to the Boss! For a 78-year-old man, your energy is amazing. May God continue to give you strength”
“Happy birthday to you His excellency the president of Ghana”
“Happy 78th birthday president Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo. Can the Black Stars give the President a gift by defeating Nigeria today?
“Happy birthday President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo. Thank you for your hard work on our behalf and for many years of public service to our development and growth. Continue to contribute and work for the country and the nation”
“Today marks the birthday of His excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana! Let’s bless him!
“Happy birthday Mr. President!
President Akufo-Addo commissioned the Tamale Interchange which is the first in the northern sector. His speech aptly captures his emotions on the day.
“I am delighted to be back again, this time, on my birthday, to commission the Tamale Interchange, which has been completed three months ahead of schedule and on budget, in the midst of a global pandemic which has brought considerable disruption to every phase of national life,” said President Akufo-Addo.
Just when it seemed to be all about the president’s birthday, the day unfolded in an interesting twist. Just after midday the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy was passed. The levy was passed in the absence of the Minority who had staged a walkout before the Bill was considered at the second reading stage.
The Minority had complained that it had been taken by surprise by the unexpected consideration. They argued the E-levy was not listed in Parliament’s business statement for the week. The Minority members have insisted the E-levy is a nuisance tax and they oppose it.
That notwithstanding, the government maintains the levy would widen the tax net and that could raise an extra GH¢6.9 billion this year.
It is for this reason that its passage into law on the President’s birthday becomes another perfect birthday gift to President Akufo Addo, as his government can do more with the revenue mobilized.
As the wishes came through people thought the passage of the E-levy was the best news of the day and found ways to congratulate the President on it.
Even before the dust could settle, then came the icing on the cake later in the day. This was when the Senior National Football Team, the Black Stars sealed a fourth World Cup qualification, after crushing out the Super Eagles of Nigeria, ending their World Cup dreams.
With a triple celebration, Ghanaians devised creative ways of celebrating President Akufo-Addo. Here are some interesting captions captured on social media platforms.
“Today is president Akufo-Addo’s 78th birthday, E-levy passed today.
This isn’t a birthday cake, probably Black Stars’ win will delight him most, not E-levy cake.
“E-levy President Akufo Addo’s 88th birthday gift”
“Tamale Interchange commissioned, E-levy passed, Black stars qualify for Qatar 2022”
29th March 2022-President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo’s 78th birthday, what a day!!!
“I think Ghana’s President Akufo Addo is the happiest man today. Today Mark’s his birthday, the E-levy Bill was passed today, Black stars of Ghana have booked their place in Qatar 2022”
The birthday man could certainly not retire to bed without having to speak with the Head of the Team who made the celebration of his birthday complete. In a widely circulated video President Akufo Addo spoke with coach Otto Addo, the excitement in his voice, face and even those around him was evident.
“Thank you! thanks! I appreciate it! Thank you! Thank you! It’s the best possible birthday present I’ve had”. Undeniably President Akufo-Addo’s birthday this year has been phenomenal.
As if Ghana is destined for eventful days on 29 March, Ghana experienced a total eclipse of the sun on the same date in 2006. Though at the time president Akufo-Addo was a cabinet minister, it does not take away the fact that 29 March, 2022, holds some significance in Ghana’s history.
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