President John Mahama said even though, president-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo is his political opponent, they are all working in the interest of Ghana, he has utmost respect for him.

Addressing parliament on Thursday in his last State of the Nation Address, Mahama said "Taking breaks from the business of the house to grab something to eat at the snack bar, Nana Addo always stood at the end of the counter, his signature white handkerchief tucked into his sleeve. "Johnny" he would shout in greeting as he preferred to call me. Incidentally we both served three terms in this house, departing together in January 2009.

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This is how long I have known the president-elect and worked with him. I have the utmost respect for him."

According to him, "Given our history, especially that we have each had our turn on each side of a presidential election, it would seem only natural for us to be considered opponents- worthy opponents is the description generally used in the world of sports."

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He has urged Ghanaians to support Nana Addo. "We can't afford to wish or hope the failure of any government," he said