The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered a stirring address at the inauguration of Ghana’s newly elected President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, celebrating Ghana’s democratic resilience and the enduring bond between the two West African nations.
President Tinubu, who attended the ceremony as the Special Guest of Honour, commended Ghana’s peaceful transfer of power, describing it as a testament to the strength of democracy on the African continent.
“Today, we celebrate African democracy as Ghana and our beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does not merely symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society: it further demonstrates that in West Africa, we are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.”
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among African nations, stressing that the continent’s progress lies in its ability to work together to lift its people out of poverty and build resilient economies.
Reflecting on the significance of Ghana’s Black Star, he said, “This black star rays shine over this mission and spreads across this continent with a sense of shared history, truth, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare.”
In a powerful call to action, President Tinubu urged African nations to avoid discord and resist external forces seeking to divide them. He invoked the enduring spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who was a pioneering leader for Africa’s liberation and Pan-Africanism.
“Even when we disagree, we must choose the path of peaceful dialogue. Never can we do harm to our brothers, nor can we permit any outsider to disrupt our bonds of brotherhood.”
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Praise for President Mahama’s Leadership
President Tinubu extolled the leadership qualities of President John Dramani Mahama, describing him as a visionary leader deeply committed to the welfare of his people and the development of Ghana.
“Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and his people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfill it. No one can ask more of a leader than that” .
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The Nigerian leader also reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Mahama’s administration expressing his long-standing relationship with the Ghanaian leader.
He expressed his committment to coperate and work together with President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil his mandate and achieving sustainable development for the African Continent. .
“I’m here to work with you. You know, you can count on my dear support at any given time. We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you,” he said, pledging to strengthen ties between Nigeria and Ghana.
A Vision for Regional and Continental Progress
Looking ahead, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ghana’s future under President Mahama’s leadership and underscored the need for collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria to address shared challenges and harness opportunities for growth.
He expressed hopes in the new government under the leadership of President John Mahama to work with Nigeria to strengthen the powerful bond that exist between the two nations, leading to greater shared progress and prosperity for the people of the two nations.
He also highlighted the importance of Ghana’s democratic example for the rest of the continent. “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 progress,” President Tinubu concluded.
As President Tinubu concluded his address, he invoked blessings for Ghana, Nigeria, ECOWAS, and Africa, underscoring his vision for a united and prosperous continent. “God bless Ghana and its beloved people. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless ECOWAS, and may God bless our beloved Africa,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony marked a historic moment for Ghana, as President Mahama returned to the helm of affairs with renewed vigor, promising a transformative agenda for the country.
President Tinubu’s speech underscored the two nations’ shared aspirations and set the tone for a strengthened partnership aimed at addressing regional challenges and driving Africa’s collective progress.
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