President John Dramani Mahama has warmly welcomed Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang back to Ghana, following her return on Friday from medical treatment abroad, describing her recovery as a triumph over ill-wishers and a moment of national relief.
Speaking at the Kotoka International Airport, where a delegation of government officials, family, and clergy gathered to receive her, President Mahama said those who wished harm upon the Vice President have been sorely disappointed by her recovery and return to Ghana.
“The prophets who arose after your illness will be happy that you came back, the principalities too, who were wishing the worst, will be very disappointed.”
President Mahama expressed his profound relief and gratitude, describing the Vice President’s return as “a special day” for the nation.
The Vice President fell ill on 28 March 2025 and received initial care at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) before being flown abroad for further treatment. After weeks of speculation and public concern, her return marks what the President called “a special day for Ghana.”
“It has been a trying time for everybody, and a lot of prayers were said for your safe return. And so today is a special day that you have stepped back in the country, on the land of Ghana, looking younger, looking cheerful,” President Mahama said.
The welcome ceremony was attended by First Lady Lordina Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Vice President’s Chief of Staff Alex Segbefia, and other high-ranking officials. Also present were leaders of the Methodist Church and members of the Vice President’s family.
In a lighter moment, the President quipped about the controversy that surrounded his brief travel abroad during her absence. “Even travelling out of the country was difficult. They threatened to impeach me for going to Togo while you were away,” he joked, drawing laughter from the gathered dignitaries. “So I’m the most excited to have you back.”
He also recounted how doctors said the Vice President now looked “20 years younger” but advised her to take it easy for a while.
President Mahama used the occasion to reflect on the limitations of Ghana’s health infrastructure, acknowledging that although the UGMC had played a vital role in her early care, its incomplete state limited its capacity to manage more complex conditions.
“We built a quintessential hospital, the UGMC, but it’s still not at the stage where they can handle some of these cases. It’s a call to duty that we should implement it the way Professor Mills had intended it to be, so that in future, emergencies like this can be handled locally,” he said.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, in a brief address, expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their prayers and goodwill. She also thanked her doctors both in Ghana and abroad, and praised President Mahama and his brother Ibrahim Mahama for their unwavering support throughout her recovery.
Her return, viewed by many as symbolic and timely, comes as the country continues preparations for the December 2024 elections and intensifies efforts toward improving national health delivery systems.
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