Capt. Tsikata helped me resolve some critical issues when I was president – John Mahama

Former Ghana President, John Dramani Mahama, has in a short tribute revealed how he relied on the advice and guidance of a former Head of Ghana’s National Security, Capt. Kojo Tsikata (Rtd.) during his days as President. He also described the former freedom fighter as someone who had a very stabilizing presence in the affairs of the largest opposition party, the NDC.

In a Facebook (https://urlshortner.org/dJSCB) post on Monday, Mr. Mahama said, “we in the NDC will miss a critical thinker, a master strategist and his stabilising presence. I will always remember as President, the critical moments when his sharp mind helped me resolve critical issues of governance, or matters related to our party, the NDC”.

Capt. Tsikata was for many years the Head of National Security during the reign of former military ruler Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (Rtd.), who himself died in November 2020. Mr. Tsikata died on Saturday November 20, 2021 at 85. He was a member of the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and renowned for his deep security intelligence, tactics, political strategy and bravery.

The late Tsikata fought alongside the freedom fighters of Angola during their struggle for independence.

Below is former President John Mahama’s Facebook post:  

The passing of our senior comrade, pan africanist, and freedom fighter, Captain Kojo Tsikata (Rtd.) is a great loss to the National Democratic Congress, Ghana, Africa and all progressives movements across the globe.

Captain as he was simply referred to, contributed immensely to the development, peace and stability of Ghana, the global liberation movement and actually fought alongside our Cuban comrades in Angola in the war against the forces of apartheid and colonialism.

We in the NDC will miss a critical thinker, a master strategist and his stabilising presence. I will always remember as President, the critical moments when his sharp mind helped me resolve critical issues of governance, or matters related to our party, the NDC.

His position as National Security Capo, ensured the stabilization of Ghana’s political environment leading eventually to the establishment of our 4th Republic, which has been the most enduring in our history.

Captain Kojo Tsikata, known as Carlos Silva among Angolan fighters, received one of Angola’s highest honours for his role in the struggle for national independence. He was a holder of the Solidarity Award and of the Order of “Carlos Manuel de Céspedes”, conferred by the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba.

Rest well, dear comrade!