Former President JJ Rawlings has mood swings and people around him must learn to adjust to it, former President John Mahama has stated.

The observation of the former President comes after a seeming terse handshake with Mr. Rawlings at the 25th anniversary celebration of Ghana 4th republic sparked rumors of tension between the two leaders.

Speaking to GTV’s Abdul Moomen Tuesday, Mr. Mahama said although he has nothing against the former President, it is important for one to observe his mood at any point in time before relating to him

“There are sometimes you sit next to him and he is not in the mood to talk but sometimes you sit next to him and he is in the mood to talk. You have to learn what mood he is in and adjust to it,” Mahama said.

He continued:  “Sometimes he’s in a mood where he doesn’t want to engage in any conversation and so recently at the Thanksgiving; they were giving all kinds of interpretation to the handshake. There are occasions where he comes and you don’t know what mood he is in, he greets military style and passes but there are on some other occasions, I met him in Kpando and we had a very warm handshake and we exchanged pleasantries.

“I don’t have any problem with President Rawlings; he gave me my opportunities in life. When I came in as a young member of parliament, it was his appointment as Deputy Minister that got me noticed and he appointed me as Minister of Communications until we left office in 2001, and so, I don’t have absolutely anything against President Rawlings”.

Mr. Rawlings at last year’s 31st December revolution commemoration in the Volta region lambasted Mr. Mahama for being late to public functions. Organisers of the event later clarified that Mr. Mahama was not late for the event and had accepted an apology from Mr. Rawlings.

Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5FM