Taiwo Popoola
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, seized the forum for the inauguration of the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama to request for the unity of leaders of the African continent over their shared hope for prosperity and development.
Tinubu, who spoke glowingly about the recent polls in Ghana which produced Mahama as President, said democracy has come of age in Africa, hence the continent and its leaders must find ways to purge themselves of the influence of the Western world.
According to the Nigerian President who doubles as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, the Ghanaian election laid to rest the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.
While taking a subtle swipe at Western powers, he said it is high time that Africa’s critics stopped forgetting the strides countries in the continent have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves.
Recall that Mahama, who had previously served as the 12th President of Ghana between 2011 and 2017, found his way back to power through a re-election in December 2024.
He is succeeding President Nana Akuffo-Addo who served between (2017-2025).
Tinubu said Nigeria and indeed the entire continent celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another.
“This moment does more than symbolise 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 endeavours.
“Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. 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 said at the inauguration ceremony in Accra.
Speaking further on his mission in the neighbouring country, Tinubu said, 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 honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.
“The sun is out, and the sky says daylight, but I see today a Black star rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation, and its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare”.
The Nigerian President said while others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are.
“It reminds us of who we can be. That star means that we shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement. Never, never shall we harm others and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.
“The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher. Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.
“May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders. Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.
“Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.
“President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.
“May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region”.
He said he was optimistic that the new government, under the leadership of President Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people.
His words, “I do not doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.
“Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing sub-regional integration and progress. With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.
