President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday met former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan at the inauguration of Ghana’s President John Mahama.
The inauguration ceremony at the iconic Black Star Square was attended by dignitaries from across Africa, reaffirming Ghana’s status as a beacon of democracy on the continent.
Mr Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, remains an influential voice in promoting democracy across Africa.
Mr Obasanjo, known for his roles as both a military and civilian leader, continues to command respect on the global stage for his contributions to African development and governance.
Delivering his remarks as the special guest of honour at the event, President Tinubu celebrated Ghana’s democratic transition as a testament to Africa’s capacity for productive governance.
“This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society,” Tinubu said. “It lays to rest the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.”
The Nigerian president urged critics of African democracies to acknowledge the progress made by nations like Ghana and Nigeria. “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 declared.
Tinubu commended President Mahama’s leadership, describing him as “a man of patriotic vision and substance” committed to Ghana’s progress. He assured the newly inaugurated president of Nigeria’s unwavering support and collaboration.
“My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. The bond is strong and cannot be broken,” Tinubu affirmed.
Reflecting on the historical ties between the two nations, Tinubu invoked the legacies of Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah and Nigeria’s founding leaders, emphasizing their shared vision of unity and prosperity.
He also called for renewed efforts to tackle common challenges such as poverty, youth unemployment, instability, and insurgency in the region. “Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress,” Tinubu stated.
The Nigerian leader concluded his address with a message of hope and solidarity, expressing confidence in Ghana’s continued growth and development under Mahama’s administration.
“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.
