Spio Garbrah Chides Akufo-Addo Over Refusal To Credit Mahama For AfCFTA

Former Trade and Industry Minister, Dr. Ekwo Spio Garbrah has expressed disappointment in President Akufo-Addo over his “deliberate” refusal to credit former President John Mahama for the construction of the African Trade House in Accra.

In an interview on Kumasi based Angel FM, he said the President’s politicization of the building to the extent that he deliberately picked and chose others for praise before an international audience, but refused to mention former President Mahama’s name, saying the action was lowly of the president.

“What people forgot at the function held yesterday was that, the 20-storey building was constructed by Former President John Mahama” Dr. Spio-Gabrah said describing the building as, “one of the most beautiful buildings” in Accra.

“John Mahama constructed the beautiful AfCFTA building; Former Trade Minister Haruna Iddrisu started it while I also supervised for its completion when I took over as the Trade Minister”, He added.

Mr. Akufo-Addo on Monday commissioned and formally handed over the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA) building, in Accra, to the African Union Commission.

In his acknowledgement of people who helped to make the dream of attracting the AfCFTA headquarters to Accra, he praised all manner of people but curiously left out the one who constructed the building to house the Headquarters, former President Mahama.

“I thank also my fellow Ghanaians, the 1st President of Ghana’s 4th Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, the 2nd President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, former First Lady, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, who brilliantly led Ghana’s efforts, and other officials of Government for the diverse roles they played in helping to promote Ghana’s successful bid,” President Akufo Addo said.

Dr. Ekwow Spio Gabraha said that the President’s politicization of the building could end in political disgrace for the country.

This is not the first time President Akufo-Addo has denied his predecessor praise where praise was due. 

In some instances, Mr. Akufo-Addo had reportedly caused to be removed commissioning plaques on buildings unveiled by former President Mahama and re-commissioned them.