Alhaji Ayaana Yakubu, the 65-year-old man who walked from Kumasi to Accra to attend President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, has been gifted a brand-new Renault car, an undisclosed sum of money, and GH¢5,000 in shopping vouchers.
The gift was made possible by an anonymous philanthropist who sought to honor Alhaji Ayaana’s remarkable feat.
The presentation took place with renowned broadcaster Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) overseeing the ceremony. KOD shared the emotional moment on Instagram, posting a video of Alhaji Ayaana receiving the car keys and stepping into his new vehicle, visibly moved by the gesture.
Alhaji Ayaana is no stranger to symbolic acts of patriotism. His recent walk is the latest in a series of inspiring journeys aimed at honouring Ghana’s democracy and promoting national unity.
In 1997, Alhaji Ayaana gained nationwide recognition for walking long distances to celebrate the second-term inauguration of former and late President Jerry John Rawlings.
Two years later, in 1999, he organised a 16-kilometer peace and health walk in Tamale to advocate for unity and well-being, demonstrating his belief in the power of grassroots initiatives to inspire change.
KOD, who facilitated the reward ceremony, described the event as an honour to be part of.
In his Instagram post, he wrote: “This afternoon, I had the honor of presenting Mr. Yakubu—a gentleman who walked all the way from Kumasi to congratulate H.E. President Mahama on his victory in the last elections—with a brand-new Renault car, an undisclosed amount of money, and shopping vouchers worth GH¢5,000 from Nineteen57.”
KOD further acknowledged the generosity of the anonymous philanthropist, who made the entire initiative possible.
