Newly sworn in President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama may have mistakenly introduced Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the “President of the Federal Republic of Ghana” during his inaugural address after he was sworn into office at the Independence Square in Accra, the capital of the West Africa country.

President Mahama during acknowledgement of guests before he began his inaugural speech, said: “Your Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Ghana and the Special Guest of Honour for this occasion”.

Local media reported that several African leaders, including those from military-led Burkina Faso and Niger, were in Ghana’s capital, Accra, Tuesday, for the inauguration and return of President John Dramani Mahama. The event was attended by several world leaders, including the Economic Community of West Africa States, EcOWAS chairman, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Mahama had led Ghana from 2012-2016, returned to office after he won in the nation’s 2024 general elections.

John Dramani Mahama was sworn-in by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, as President of the Republic of Ghana.

Mahama succeeds Nana Akufo-Addo, who took over from him in 2017. This marks Mahama’s return to the presidency after seven years, following his victory in Ghana’s December elections. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang made history as the first female vice president of Ghana.

Mahama and Opoku-Agyemang, both candidates of the National Democratic Congress, won the election with Mahama securing 50 per cent of the votes. He polled 6.3 million votes, defeating his closest rival, Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party, by a margin of 1.7 million votes.

Acknowledging his defeat, Bawumia quickly conceded and addressed the nation, saying, “The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect it with all humility.”

On his X account, Mahama confirmed receiving a congratulatory phone call from Bawumia.

Mahama, 66, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, beat Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Nigeria President and the Special Guest of Honour during the inauguration ceremony, Bola Ahmed Tinubu while speaking at the occasion, said that President Mahama will bring positive change to Ghana.

In a news release made available by the Nigeria President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remarked as presented below:

“It is always good when a friend and brother can visit the home of a close neighbour to celebrate his success and progress with him.

We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society.

It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.

It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. 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.

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.

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.

The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher. Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.

May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders. Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.

Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.

President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.

May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region.

I am confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people. I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.

Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional 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”, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.