By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday asked the newly sworn-in President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, to join hands to lift both West African nations out of poverty and build an enduring economy.
Speaking during Mahama’s inauguration in Accra, Ghana, Tinubu told Ghanaians that their new President is a man of patriotic vision and substance.
He said that the new President, who was sworn in for the second time, loves his nation and its people to the core.
The President, who was a special guest of honour at the occasion and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, said he was confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen the powerful bond between the two countries.
He said, “It is always good when a friend and brother can visit the home of a close neighbour to celebrate his success and progress with him.
“We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.
“Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria, and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves.
“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.
“Today, I am here not only as the President of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.
“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 its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare.”
While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminded them of who they are.
“Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be. That star means that we shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement.
“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 said.
Tinubu continued, “The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher. Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.
“May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders. Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.
“Your new President is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its 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.
“President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. 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.
“May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region. I am confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people. I do not doubt that your administration will bring positive change and progress.
“Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing sub-regional 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.
“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.”
*New Ghanaian President promises to tackle corruption, debt, unemployment
Meanwhile, Mahama, who returned as Ghana’s President for a final four-year term amid economic turmoil, promised bold reforms to stabilise the economy and tackle corruption.
Amid cheers from thousands of Ghanaians during the swearing-in, Mahama said, “I, John Dramani Mahama, do, in the name of the almighty God, swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Ghana as by law established that I would uphold the sovereignty and integrity of Ghana. ” He took his oath of office administered by the Chief Justice of Ghana.
“And that I will preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the Republic of Ghana, so help me God.”
“We are a people battered by economic crises and hardships. But there’s hope on the horizon.”
Over 12 heads of state from across Africa and beyond attended the ceremony.
