I used to visit Akufo-Addo 11pm at Jubilee House to relax him – Gabby Otchere-Darko

Gabby Otchere-Darko, a private legal practitioner and cousin of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has shared how he used to help the former president unwind while he was in office.

According to Gabby, who is also a businessman and a stalwart of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he frequently visited the president around midnight to chat with him after a tiring day.

“Sometimes, the impression was created that I worked at the Presidency, but I just used to go visit my cousin, my friend, and mentor—usually around 11 p.m.—just to have a conversation to relax him. He would have spent the whole day in meetings and other official engagements. President Akufo-Addo would often stay in the office until about 1:30 a.m., so I would go there after midnight or around 11:30, after finishing my work and on my way home. Fortunately, I have an understanding wife. We would have conversations just to help him relax—not necessarily about matters of government. Of course, if there was something he wanted to pick your brain on, he would raise it. But you don’t go there to interfere. Due to your proximity with him, as some would say, you could even walk into his bedroom.”

Gabby disclosed that many people sought his assistance to resolve issues because they were aware of his unimpeded access to then-President Akufo-Addo.

“When people have issues, they often come to you because they know you have access to him, so you become like a conduit. You just have to handle it responsibly. It’s also about how you use access to people in leadership. If you abuse it, they themselves will pull away from you. The presidency is a lonely place.”