Ghana can count on Nigeria’s support, Tinubu tells Mahama
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has urged Ghana’s newly elected president, John Mahama, in Accra, that his ascension to power should herald a fresh and vigorous commitment to subregional integration and progress.
Speaking in Accra during Mahama’s inauguration, Tinubu emphasized that Mahama’s rise to power should mark a renewed commitment to addressing the pressing challenges facing West Africa, including poverty, youth unemployment, and instability.
Tinubu, who spoke as a special guest of honor, reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for Ghana and stressed the importance of collaboration between the two nations in fostering unity and prosperity across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken,” Tinubu assured Mahama and the people of Ghana.
“Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress. With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.”
Tinubu also lauded the peaceful transition of power, describing it as a testament to Africa’s democratic evolution.
In his speech, the Nigerian leader highlighted the shared history and aspirations of the two nations, calling for unity and collaboration across the continent.
“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 spreads across this continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare,” Tinubu remarked.
The Nigerian leader also praised President Mahama as a visionary leader with a deep love for his country, expressing confidence in his administration’s ability to bring progress and prosperity to Ghana.
“Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. May your administration be a profound success and bring progress to you, Ghanaians, and our entire region,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also called for a renewed focus on subregional integration and cooperation within ECOWAS to tackle pressing challenges such as poverty, youth unemployment, and insecurity.
He emphasized the need for African nations to work together to achieve shared prosperity and resist external forces seeking to divide the continent.
“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,” he stated.
The Nigerian president also expressed hope for a future of opportunity and progress for both nations and the African continent as a whole, reiterating his commitment to deepening ties between Nigeria and Ghana.
The event was attended by African leaders, dignitaries, and representatives of international organizations, celebrating Ghana’s democratic achievements and highlighting the importance of regional solidarity.
