Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Jeremy Corbyn And Other Famous World Leaders Caught Up In Plagiarism Scandals

Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was caught up in a plagiarism row on the day of his inauguration, with portions of his speech being lifted from addresses by George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and others.

This has sparked a furious row between Ghanaians, with some excusing the actions whilst others are intent on giving the President stick for it. The speechwriter has apologised, yet the minority in Parliament says it is a national disgrace which should be expunged from the records of Parliament.

In all this, the story has gone international, thus shining a negative light on Ghana out of what should have been a positive story of a peaceful power transition.

However, President Akufo-Addo is hardly the first, nor would he be the last, world leader to be accused of plagiarism. Even the biggest names one can think of have all been victims to it before, including Barack Obama, Muhammadu Buhari, Jeremy Corbyn and many others.

Below, read the story of several world leaders who were at one time or the other caught up in a plagiarism scandal, starting with our very own new leader.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (President of Ghana)

Nana Akufo-Addo’s case occurred during his inauguration.

His words…”I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens building your communities and our nation.”

Words accused of plagiarising…”I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens building communities of service and a nation of character.” (speech by George W. Bush at his inauguration in 2001)

His words…”Though our challenges are fearsome, so are our strengths. Ghanaians have been a restless, questing, hopeful people. And we must bring to our task today the vision and will of those who came before us.”

Words accused of plagiarising…”Though our challenges are fearsome, so are our strengths. And Americans have ever been a restless, questing, hopeful people. We must bring to our task today the vision and will of those who come before us.” (speech by Bill Clinton during his inauguration in 1993)