President Bola Tinubu has congratulated John Mahama on his victory in Ghana’s presidential election held on December 7, 2024. This message of congratulations follows Mahama’s significant lead over his opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who acknowledged his defeat despite ongoing tensions in some regions. While the official results have not been announced, an internal review by Bawumia’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) indicated that Mahama garnered 56.3% of the vote, with Bawumia trailing at 41.3%.
In a statement released by Tinubu’s Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian president praised the peaceful nature of the election, which saw both the presidential and parliamentary races conducted without major unrest. Tinubu also applauded Vice President Bawumia for his calm and constructive concession, which helped to reduce tensions and reinforced Ghana’s commitment to democratic values. This peaceful transition, even before the Electoral Commission’s final announcement, demonstrated the maturity of Ghana’s democracy.
Tinubu expressed confidence that Mahama’s return to the presidency would enhance the stability of Ghana and the wider West African region. Highlighting Mahama’s extensive public service history, including his previous presidency from 2012 to 2017 and his tenure as Vice President from 2009 to 2012, Tinubu noted that Mahama’s leadership was crucial to maintaining the region’s progress.
He also emphasized that the Ghanaian people’s trust in Mahama reflected his leadership abilities and vision for the future. The Nigerian leader reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria-Ghana relations, emphasizing the shared historical, cultural, and political ties between the two nations. Tinubu expressed eagerness to collaborate with Mahama’s incoming government to enhance regional cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which Tinubu currently chairs.
The Nigerian president highlighted that both nations have a joint responsibility to foster democracy, rule of law, and economic integration across Africa. Tinubu extended his gratitude to the outgoing Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, for his leadership and role in preserving peace and stability in the region.
