Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his full support to Ghana’s new administration, led by President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing solidarity and cooperation between the two West African nations.
Speaking as a special guest of honour at President Mahama’s swearing-in ceremony in Accra, Tinubu, who also serves as the Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reaffirmed his commitment to fostering strong ties and shared prosperity among African nations.
A message of unity and resilience
Addressing dignitaries and guests, Tinubu lauded Ghana’s peaceful transition of power as a testament to the nation’s democratic maturity and an inspiration for the entire continent.
“This moment does more than symbolize another milestone in Ghanaian democracy. It lays to rest any doubts about Africa’s capability for democratic and productive endeavors,” Tinubu stated.
He also stressed the importance of African unity in the face of external challenges, declaring, “Never shall we harm others, and never shall we allow outsiders to disrupt the unity for which our heroes sacrificed so much.”
Strengthening Ghana-Nigeria relations
Reflecting on the deep historical bonds between Ghana and Nigeria, Tinubu called for closer cooperation to address shared challenges such as poverty, youth unemployment, and insecurity.
He praised President Mahama’s leadership, describing him as a man of “patriotic vision and substance,” and pledged Nigeria’s unwavering support for Ghana’s development.
“My dear brother, you know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. The bond between our nations is strong and cannot be broken,” Tinubu assured.
A vision for African progress
Drawing inspiration from African icons like Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, Tinubu urged leaders to uphold the ideals of unity and progress envisioned by the continent’s founding fathers.
“As Ghana draws strength from Kwame Nkrumah, Nigeria also draws inspiration from its founding leaders, who cherished the close relationship between our two nations,” he said.
Tinubu also highlighted the need for regional integration to address pressing economic and social challenges, calling on African nations to work together to build resilient economies.
“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace,” he emphasized.
A call for shared prosperity
In closing, Tinubu expressed optimism about Africa’s future, guided by cooperation, dialogue, and shared goals.
“Let us look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity. God bless Ghana, Nigeria, ECOWAS, and our beloved Africa,” he concluded.
President Mahama’s inauguration marks a new chapter in Ghana-Nigeria relations, with both leaders expressing their commitment to working together to uplift their nations and the African continent.
