Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and veteran NDC lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata have sparked reactions after putting aside their political differences to share a warm embrace at a birthday celebration in Accra.
The unexpected encounter took place on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Ridge Church, where the two political figures had gathered for the 90th birthday celebration of Madam Margaret Gadzekpo, mother of Prof Audre Gadzekpo and Keli Gadzekpo of Enterprise Group.
Footage from the event, shared by Dadzie TV, showed Dr Bawumia approaching Tsatsu Tsikata after spotting him among the guests. The two exchanged greetings before embracing and engaging in what appeared to be a cordial interaction.
Their relaxed conduct at the event quickly attracted attention, particularly because of their history on opposite sides of one of Ghana’s most closely watched presidential election disputes.
Tsatsu Tsikata was a prominent member of the NDC legal team during the 2012 presidential election petition.
Following the 2012 presidential election, Nana Akufo-Addo and his then-running mate, Dr Bawumia, challenged the election victory of then-President John Dramani Mahama at the Supreme Court.
Tsikata played a significant role in the legal proceedings on behalf of the NDC, putting him on the opposite side of the courtroom from Bawumia during one of the country’s most consequential electoral disputes.
The case attracted intense national attention as lawyers representing the petitioners and the respondents argued their respective positions before the Supreme Court.
Against that background, the sight of Bawumia and Tsikata exchanging smiles, a handshake and a warm embrace at a social gathering offered a striking contrast to their courtroom encounters more than a decade ago.
The birthday celebration brought together guests dressed in white and colourful traditional clothing, creating a festive atmosphere at the Ridge Church.
The footage generated reactions online, with viewers focusing on the friendly manner in which Bawumia and Tsikata interacted.
The former Vice President’s decision to personally approach Tsikata and the subsequent embrace became the central talking point surrounding the encounter.
The gathering itself was organised to celebrate Margaret Gadzekpo’s 90th birthday, rather than as a political event, and the interaction between the two men occurred within that social setting.
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