President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Ghana’s newly inaugurated President John Mahama of Nigeria’s unwavering support in driving positive change and economic prosperity for the people of Ghana.
Speaking on Tuesday in Accra during Mahama’s inauguration ceremony, Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized the need for African leaders to work together to build strong and resilient economies capable of uplifting their citizens.
“It is time that our continent’s critics stopped forgetting the strides that Nigeria and others have made. We need not put ourselves to death,” Tinubu said.
“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We will lift our nations out of poverty and build strong and resilient economies for our people.”
The Nigerian president described Mahama’s inauguration as a moment of pride for Ghanaians and the African continent, likening Ghana’s national symbol—the black star—to a beacon of hope and unity for all Africans.
“The sun may be out and the sky may be blue but I see today a black star rising, rising high in 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,” Tinubu declared.
The Nigerian leader invoked the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, as a guiding spirit for African unity and progress. He urged African nations to avoid conflict and choose peaceful dialogue to resolve differences while resisting external forces that seek to divide them.
“While others may seem to demean Africa and keep brothers pitting against brothers, that shining star reminds us of who we are; better yet, it reminds us of who we can be,” he said. “Even when we disagree, we must choose the path of peaceful dialogue; never can we do harm to our brothers nor can we permit outsiders to disrupt our bond of brotherhood.”
Tinubu praised Mahama’s patriotic vision and leadership qualities, describing him as a man deeply committed to the welfare and progress of Ghanaians.
“Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and his people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that,” Tinubu said.
Addressing Mahama directly, Tinubu expressed his personal friendship and professional collaboration, pledging Nigeria’s support whenever called upon.
“My dear brother, I’m here to work with you, you know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time you call on me. We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you,” he said.
Tinubu concluded his remarks with optimism, expressing confidence in Mahama’s ability to bring about positive change and strengthen ties between Nigeria and Ghana.
“I am confident that the new government under the leadership of President John Mahama will work with Nigeria to strengthen this bond leading to greater shared progress and prosperity for the people of our two nations. I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress,” Tinubu said.
