President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday joined other African leaders in Accra, Ghana, for the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as Ghanaian President.
In his address at the event, Tinubu commended Ghana’s democratic transition, emphasizing the importance of African unity and self-reliance in shaping the continent’s future.
“It is always good when a friend and brother can visit the home of a close neighbour to celebrate his success and progress with him,” Tinubu said, underscoring the strong ties between Nigeria and Ghana.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Tinubu remarked, “We 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.”
President Tinubu also called for an end to external skepticism about Africa’s progress. “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,” he stated.
On the continent’s future, Tinubu expressed optimism, saying that, “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.”
In a symbolic reference to Ghana’s national emblem, Tinubu observed, “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.”
He also advocated for dialogue in resolving conflicts, emphasizing unity across the continent.
Tinubu said, “While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be.
“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.”
Tinubu paid homage to Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, calling him an enduring symbol of inspiration for both Ghana and Nigeria.
He said, “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,” Tinubu noted.
The Nigerian president concluded his speech by reaffirming his commitment to collaboration with Ghana and other African nations.
He 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 inauguration of John Dramani Mahama marks a significant chapter in Ghana’s democratic history and was attended by dignitaries and leaders across Africa.
