President Bola Tinubu seized the forum for the inauguration of Ghana’s new President, John Dramani Mahama, to rally African leaders around their shared hope for prosperity and development.
Speaking glowingly about the recent polls in Ghana, which produced Mahama as President, Tinubu emphasized that democracy has come of age in Africa. He urged the continent and its leaders to find ways to purge themselves of Western influence.
As the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Tinubu highlighted that the Ghanaian election laid to rest any doubts about Africa’s capability for democratic and productive endeavors. He took a subtle swipe at Western powers, stating that it is high time Africa’s critics stopped asking the continent to prove itself.
Mahama, who previously served as the 12th President of Ghana between 2011 and 2017, returned to power through a re-election in December 2024. He succeeds President Nana Akufo-Addo, who served from 2017 to 2025.
Tinubu celebrated African democracy, marking the transition from one democratic government to another in Ghana. He stated, “This moment does more than symbolize another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavors. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.”
He continued, “It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria, and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.”
Tinubu expressed his support for Ghana and its people, saying, “Today, I am here not only as the President of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honor for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.”
He praised the spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and the inspiration drawn from past leaders. Tinubu affirmed his deep friendship with Mahama and Nigeria’s support for Ghana, emphasizing the strong bond between the two nations.
Tinubu concluded with optimism for the new government under Mahama’s leadership, expressing confidence that it will bring about positive change and progress. He called for a renewed focus on sub-regional integration and tackling pressing concerns such as poverty, youth unemployment, instability, and insurgency.
“May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity,” Tinubu said.
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