*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, in Accra, pledges Nigeria’s support for the new administration in the former Gold Coast

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has averred the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama Tuesday, January 7, 2025, again, testified to the fact聽 the former Gold Coast and entire Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.

Tinubu stated this Tuesday in his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at President Mahama’s swearing-in in Accra, Ghana’s capital.

The Nigerian leader said: “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.”

According to him, Tuesday’s event once again, laid to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours in the comity of democratic societies.

President Tinubu also asserted: “Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.

“It is time that Africa’s critics stopped 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.”

Black Star rising high in African sky

Describing the presidential inauguration in Ghana as momentous occasion and source of pride, honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora, Tinubu averred that Black star rising high in the African sky.

He further noted: “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 Nigerian President stated: “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.”

He explained while others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we 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.”

Impact of Ghana’s founding leaders on generations

President Tinubu mentioned the far-reaching inspiration and strength Ghanaian leaders have continued to derive from sterling qualities of late President (Dr.) Kwame Nkrumah and others

Tinubu stated: “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.”

Mahama, ‘a man of patriotic vision and substance’

The Nigerian President, in his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour equally noted that Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration Tuesday reflected this assertion.

He told Ghanaians: “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.”

In regard to his relationship with the new Ghanaian President, Tinubu disclosed Mahama and he share “a deep friendship”.

He averred: “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.”

Underscoring his administration’s commitment to partnering with Ghana for greater shared prosperity for their peoples, President Tinubu said: “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 have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.”

He further stated: “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 added: “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.”

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