By Alex Ababio
President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s President-elect, following his victory in the December 7 general elections.
This marks Mahama’s return to Ghana’s highest office, having previously served as President from 2012 to 2017.
During a phone call, Tinubu expressed optimism about Mahama’s leadership, highlighting its potential to enhance stability within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where Tinubu currently chairs.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the Nigerian President commended the peaceful and democratic nature of Ghana’s elections. “In a telephone call to Mahama, President Tinubu hoped that Mahama’s ascension to power for the second time would further bring stability to the Economic Community of West African States, of which President Tinubu is the chairman,” the statement noted.
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Tinubu also lauded Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s Vice President and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, for gracefully conceding defeat even before the official results were declared. “Bawumia’s stance reinforced Ghana’s democratic ethos,” Tinubu remarked.
Reflecting on Mahama’s victory, Tinubu described it as evidence of the Ghanaian people’s trust in his leadership and vision. He further expressed appreciation to outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo for his invaluable contributions to Ghana’s progress and regional stability.
Looking forward, Tinubu emphasized his readiness to work closely with Mahama’s government to deepen ties between Nigeria and Ghana and foster greater unity across West Africa.
Below is the entire statement;
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
GHANA: PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT JOHN MAHAMA IN A TELEPHONE CALL
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his victory in the December 7 general election in Ghana, following his opponent’s concession speech.
In a telephone call to Mahama, President Tinubu hoped that Mahama’s ascension to power for the second time would further bring stability to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which President Tinubu is the chairman.
President Tinubu commended the people of Ghana for their commitment to democracy, which was demonstrated through the peaceful and successful conduct of both the presidential and parliamentary elections.
He applauded Ghanaians for demonstrating again to the world that democracy is the preferred path to achieving political stability, economic development, social justice, and transparent governance in Africa.
He affirmed that Nigeria’s and the region’s belief in the principles of the people’s right to choose their leaders freely will remain a source of pride.
The Nigerian leader applauded the candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for conceding defeat before the official announcement by Ghana’s Electoral Commission.
President Tinubu said Bawumia’s stance reinforced Ghana’s democratic ethos.
President Tinubu noted that President-elect Mahama’s return to Jubilee House, having served as President from 2012 to 2017, reflects the Ghanaian people’s trust in his stewardship and vision to take the country to greater heights.
Mahama served as Vice President of Ghana from 2009 to 2012, Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009, and held deputy and ministerial roles between 1998 and 2001.
President Tinubu renews his steadfast support for deepening the fraternal bonds between Nigeria and Ghana, underpinned by shared history, cultural ties, mutual support and cooperation, Pan-African goals, democracy, the rule of law, and economic integration.
The Nigerian leader thanks President Nana Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership and numerous contributions to Ghana’s progress and regional peace and stability.
The President looks forward to working with President Mahama’s incoming administration to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors and build a brighter future in the West Africa region.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
December 8, 2024