Akufo-Addo laughs off plagiarism gaffe

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has for the first time spoken about his inaugural speech plagiarism gaffe, but on a lighter note.

Akufo-Addo court international embarrassment when it became evident that aspects of his inaugural speech on January 7, 2017 were riddled with plagiarised quotes of two former US presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service at the Ridge Church in Accra for successfully taking over the administration of Ghana, Akufo-Addo amused the congregation when he appropriately sourced a quote from the Bible and reminded them that he has purged himself of any form of plagiarism.

“I want to refer to the book of Lamentation 3: 25, 26: ‘The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord,’” he read from the Bible.

Akufo-Addo then broke the silence in the church auditorium when he joked, “end of the quote. I have had problems with quotes… so that there is no more confusion.”

Serving as Ghana’s fifth president, Nana Addo said he is “so proud and deeply humbled” to lead Ghana.

He noted Ghanaians must be proud of themselves after a successful election which paved way for him to assume power, urging everyone to help safeguard the peace being enjoyed in the country.

He was at the church service with his wife Rebecca Akufo-Addo and vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Prof. Cephas Omenyo lauded the president over his pledge to protect the public purse.

“My heart leapt with joy when you made the important statement that you would protect the public purse. I am also encouraged by your own pledge in setting the personal example in upholding integrity and service and I pray that the Lord enables you to see the realisation of this noble intention,” he noted.