After the inauguration and inspection of the parade, many African leaders and some World Presidents took their turns to pay courtesies to President Mahama.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who was the guest of honour at the inauguration ceremony expressed confidence in President Mahama of Ghana, describing him “as a man of patriotic vision and substance, who loves his nation and its people to the core and with the ability to bring about positive change and progress.”
In his address, President Tinubu, expressed confidence that the new government under President Mahama’s leadership, is the best that can happen Ghana.
“I am confident that he will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people,” he said, adding that the moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society, but further lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavors,
He, however, urged Africa’s critics to stop forgetting the strides Ghana, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves.
“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.
“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
“We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another.
“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,” he said.
President Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Authority and Heads of States of ECOWAS, also called on President Mahama to use his ascension to power as a call to 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.
“May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region,” he added.
GIK/APA