In a warm and cordial gesture of goodwill, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, following his victory in the country’s December 7, 2024, general elections. This victory comes after Mahama’s rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat, helping to ease the rising tensions that had surfaced due to reported clashes in some constituencies.
Though the official announcement of the results by Ghana’s Electoral Commission is still awaited, the internal review by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has already projected Mahama’s lead with 56.3% of the vote, compared to Bawumia’s 41.3%. This early indication of Mahama’s triumph sets the stage for his return to power after previously serving as Ghana’s President from 2012 to 2017.
In a statement released on Sunday, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that President Tinubu made a phone call to Mahama, offering his congratulations. Tinubu expressed his belief that Mahama’s ascension to power would bring further stability to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where President Tinubu currently serves as the chairman.
In his message, President Tinubu commended the people of Ghana for their unwavering commitment to democracy. He praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections, which showcased Ghana’s continued commitment to transparent governance, political stability, and social justice. Tinubu emphasized that the Nigerian government remains proud of the values of democratic choice and freedom, principles that are central to both Nigeria’s identity and the broader African agenda for prosperity and progress.
Tinubu also recognized the democratic maturity demonstrated by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s Vice President and the candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), who conceded defeat before the official results were announced. This move by Bawumia, according to Tinubu, reinforced Ghana’s democratic principles and set a high standard for political decorum in the region.
Reflecting on Mahama’s return to the presidency, Tinubu remarked that the former president’s victory was a clear reflection of the trust and confidence the Ghanaian electorate has in his leadership and vision for the future. Having previously served as President from 2012 to 2017, Mahama’s return signals a renewed hope for the country’s advancement and continued development. His political career spans over two decades, having also served as Ghana’s Vice President from 2009 to 2012 and as a Member of Parliament for over a decade.
For Tinubu, Mahama’s victory represents a powerful affirmation of the Ghanaian people’s belief in his leadership capacity to take the nation to even greater heights. Tinubu acknowledged Mahama’s pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s trajectory and expressed his anticipation of continued collaboration between the two nations.
Tinubu’s congratulations also highlighted his commitment to strengthening the longstanding fraternal relationship between Nigeria and Ghana. Both countries share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, and Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to supporting Ghana’s growth, stability, and prosperity. He expressed his eagerness to work with Mahama’s incoming administration to build on these shared values and goals, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as economic integration, democracy, and the rule of law.
Additionally, Tinubu extended his heartfelt gratitude to outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership and contributions to Ghana’s progress and regional peace. He acknowledged Akufo-Addo’s efforts in fostering stability in West Africa, particularly through his leadership of ECOWAS and his role in promoting democratic values across the region.
President Tinubu’s message concluded with a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s support for Mahama’s administration and the hope that, under his leadership, Ghana will continue to flourish as a beacon of democracy and development in Africa. Tinubu expressed optimism about the future of West Africa and the potential for greater collaboration between both nations to achieve shared goals of peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
As the results continue to unfold and Mahama officially assumes office, the stage is set for renewed leadership and strengthened relations between Nigeria and Ghana, paving the way for a more prosperous future for both nations and the broader West African community.
