President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on world leaders to reconsider their negative perceptions of Africa, emphasizing that African nations are working tirelessly to overcome challenges and achieve prosperity. Speaking as the special guest of honor at the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s 12th president in Accra, Tinubu praised African leaders for their commitment to tackling the continent’s pressing social and economic issues. He stressed that Africa must continue to focus on its own path to success, without needing validation from external forces.
“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves,” President Tinubu declared, reinforcing the importance of self-reliance. He reiterated that African nations, including Nigeria, are determined to lift their populations out of poverty, tackle youth unemployment, and address instability and insurgency. The president’s comments came as Mahama, who previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017, was re-elected with more than 50 percent of the vote, a significant milestone that Tinubu described as a victory for democracy in Africa.
Tinubu was joined at the event by several African leaders, including Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, as well as dignitaries such as former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
Addressing the inauguration, Tinubu expressed his firm support for Mahama’s leadership, emphasizing the long-standing ties between Nigeria and Ghana. He praised Ghana’s democratic achievements, highlighting the country’s transition from one government to another as evidence of Africa’s growing democratic maturity.
“Ghana has answered resoundingly the question of whether Africa is capable of democratic and productive endeavors,” Tinubu said, underscoring the significance of the peaceful transfer of power.
President Tinubu also voiced his commitment to strengthening the bond between Nigeria and Ghana, assuring Mahama of Nigeria’s unwavering support. “Your administration will bring about positive change,” Tinubu remarked, expressing confidence in Mahama’s ability to drive regional integration and economic progress.
In his own remarks, President Mahama vowed to address Ghana’s economic challenges through a focus on stabilizing the macroeconomic environment, improving the business climate, and fighting corruption. He promised swift action on key reforms within his first 120 days in office and called for national unity, stressing the importance of faith and collective effort in rebuilding the country.
Mahama’s plans to boost the economy include an emphasis on agriculture and agribusiness, which he believes will provide jobs, stimulate local industry, and attract foreign investment. “There is reason for hope, and there is every reason for hope,” Mahama declared, as he embarked on his new mission to bring about lasting change for the people of Ghana.
The inauguration marked a hopeful new chapter for both Ghana and Africa, with leaders pledging cooperation and support in their shared pursuit of prosperity and peace.
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