Former President Akufo-Addo Saddened by the Death of Namibia’s First President, Sam Nujoma
The Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, joins Africans in mourning the passing of Namibia’s Founding President, Dr. Sam Nujoma
- Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first president and liberation icon, has died at age 95
- Nana Akufo-Addo described Nujoma as a hero of African liberation and a champion of unity
- Nujoma is remembered for leading Namibia to independence and fostering national reconciliation
Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Namibia’s first president, Dr. Sam Nujoma.
Sam Nujoma, the founding president of independent Namibia, passed away at the age of 95 in the capital city of Windhoek, as announced by Namibia’s current leader.
On his social media account, Akufo-Addo wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the death of H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma, Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and one of the heroes of African liberation.”
He further added, “The late First President of Namibia’s life will continue to be celebrated for his heroic leadership of the people of Namibia, not only in the fight for independence from colonial rule but also in laying the foundation for a secure, prosperous, and democratic nation.”
Akufo-Addo conveyed his condolences to Namibia’s current President Nangolo Mbumba, the people of Namibia, Nujoma’s widow, children, and the leadership of the SWAPO party.
“I join the many Africans and others around the world in conveying my condolences to President Nangolo Mbumba and the people of Namibia, his widow, children, and the leadership of his SWAPO party,” he stated.
In a related tribute, Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, also expressed his condolences.
“I am saddened by the passing of H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma, Founding President of the Republic of Namibia.“
Dr. Sam Nujoma was a pivotal figure in Namibia’s fight for independence. He led the liberation movement known as the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in the 1960s and became Namibia’s first president in 1990 after the country gained independence from South Africa. Nujoma served as president until 2005.
Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced Nujoma’s passing with “utmost sorrow and sadness,” noting that the former leader had been hospitalized for three weeks with an illness from which he could not recover. Mbumba paid tribute to Nujoma’s legacy, saying, “He inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors. Our founding father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country.”
Nujoma retired as head of state in 2005 and stepped down as leader of the SWAPO party in 2007 after 47 years at the helm. Many Namibians fondly remember him as the “father of the nation.”
Namibia’s Vice-President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is set to assume the presidency in March, praised Nujoma’s contributions, saying, “His visionary leadership and dedication to liberation and nation-building laid the foundation for our free, united nation.”
Dr. Nujoma is widely credited with ensuring peace and stability in Namibia after its independence, fostering reconciliation, and championing the rights of women and children. His policy of national reconciliation encouraged the country’s white community to remain and continue contributing to Namibia’s economy.
Nujoma leaves behind his wife, Kovambo Theopoldine Katjimune, 91, and their children. His leadership and legacy will forever remain an inspiration to Namibia and the African continent.
