President Bola Tinubu has urged West African leaders to emulate Ghana’s recent peaceful elections, describing them as a beacon of democratic progress and unity in the region.
Speaking at the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Sunday, Tinubu commended Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for their successful presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024.
He stated, “I encourage all leaders in the region to draw inspiration from Ghana’s democratic practice. We must prioritize national unity and political stability to ensure peaceful transitions become a hallmark of democracy in West Africa and the African continent as a whole.”
President Tinubu praised the maturity displayed by Ghana’s ruling party, the New Patriotic Party, and its candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, even before the official results were announced.
“This gesture, reminiscent of Nigeria’s 2015 peaceful transition, reflects a deep respect for the people’s will and underscores the political maturity of Ghana’s democracy,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu lauded President Akufo-Addo for his exceptional leadership and described him as a dedicated Pan-Africanist.
He also congratulated Senegal for its successful parliamentary elections and applauded Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, for her pivotal role in leading the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee on Reform.
“Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has demonstrated remarkable leadership, and I wish her great success in her new role as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth,” he said.
Highlighting ECOWAS achievements, Tinubu reflected on progress made during his tenure as Chair, including regional integration, economic development, counterterrorism initiatives, and infrastructure projects like the West African Gas Pipeline and the West Africa Power Pool.
“Through modernized border posts, advanced equipment, and joint operations, we have enhanced connectivity and promoted greater integration,” he noted.
He also emphasized the impact of ECOWAS peacekeeping missions in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau, as well as previous efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“Our Regional Action Plan against Terrorism provides a robust framework for addressing violent extremism and ensuring regional security,” Tinubu stated.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, Tinubu called on member states to recommit to the bloc’s founding ideals of peace, economic integration, and prosperity.
“Security is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Improving the living standards of our people is not just an aspiration—it is our duty,” he said.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, commended Nigeria for its financial contributions under Tinubu’s leadership.
“For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has paid 100% of its community levy for 2023, amounting to ₦85 billion and $54 million. This payment, along with remittances for 2024, highlights President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to our community,” Touray said.
He urged other member states to fulfill their financial obligations, noting that such commitments are essential for ECOWAS’ continued success.
The summit was attended by the Presidents of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal, along with representatives from Sierra Leone, Benin, Togo, and Cape Verde.
