President Bola Tinubu has urged leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to adopt Ghana’s democratic principles following the country’s successful presidential and parliamentary elections.
Former President John Dramani Mahama was reelected in Ghana last Saturday, defeating incumbent Vice President Mahamud Bawumia, who graciously conceded and congratulated Mahama even before the official results were announced.
Speaking at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja on Sunday, Tinubu, who chairs the regional bloc, praised Ghana’s commitment to democracy.
He commended outgoing Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who was attending his final ECOWAS summit as President, for ensuring a smooth electoral process.
“On 7th December 2024, Ghana, the second-largest democracy in our region, held its presidential and parliamentary elections. One of the leading candidates, the incumbent Vice President His Excellency Mahamud Bawumia, alongside the New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), even before the official results were announced,” Tinubu stated.
“This act of political maturity, akin to what transpired in Nigeria in 2015, reflects respect for the will of the people. I applaud President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for their successful elections. I encourage all leaders in the region to adopt such democratic practices, prioritising national unity to ensure political stability across West Africa and the continent at large.”
Commendation for Senegal and a Call for Cooperation
The Nigerian leader also lauded Senegal for its recent peaceful parliamentary elections and emphasised the importance of cooperation among ECOWAS member states to protect citizens and foster an environment conducive to progress.
“Our duty is to ensure we raise the living standards of our citizens. This is a responsibility we cannot neglect,” Tinubu said, noting that ECOWAS’ economic policies have strengthened regional cooperation.
The meeting transitioned into a closed-door session following the opening speeches.