Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on West African leaders to emulate Ghana’s recent peaceful elections as a hallmark of democratic maturity and commitment to national unity. Speaking at the 66th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja on Sunday, President Tinubu commended Ghana’s December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections as a beacon of hope for the region.
The President lauded Ghana’s outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for their exemplary democratic conduct. Highlighting the magnanimity of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in conceding defeat before the official announcement of results, Tinubu praised the peaceful transition of power to President-elect John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“This gesture demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people, akin to Nigeria’s historic peaceful transition in 2015,” Tinubu stated.
He further encouraged ECOWAS leaders to prioritize unity and stability, ensuring peaceful democratic transitions across the region and the African continent.
President Tinubu extended his congratulations to Senegal for its successful parliamentary elections and hailed Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, for her leadership within ECOWAS. He also wished her success in her new role as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
Tinubu praised outgoing ECOWAS Chair Nana Akufo-Addo for his steadfast leadership and contributions to regional integration and peacekeeping, describing him as a “formidable Pan-Africanist.”
Reflecting on his tenure as ECOWAS Chair, President Tinubu highlighted progress in economic growth, regional integration, and counterterrorism. He cited initiatives like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), the West African Gas Pipeline, and advanced border modernization projects as significant milestones.
Tinubu also underscored the importance of peacekeeping missions in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau, as well as ECOWAS’s broader efforts in stabilizing conflict-affected nations. He emphasized the impact of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism in addressing violent extremism and enhancing security.
“As leaders, we know that security is not a luxury but a necessity. Equally, enhancing the living standards of our people is not an aspiration but an obligation,” Tinubu said, urging member states to recommit to ECOWAS’s founding ideals of economic integration, peace, and prosperity ahead of the bloc’s 50th anniversary in 2025.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, commended Nigeria’s unprecedented financial commitment under Tinubu’s leadership. For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria paid its community levy in full, contributing N85 billion and $54 million for 2023 and part of 2024.
“This payment underscores Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to our community,” Touray said, encouraging other member states to follow suit.
The summit saw participation from leaders across the region, including the Presidents of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal. Representatives from Sierra Leone, Togo, Benin, and Cape Verde also attended, reinforcing the collective commitment to ECOWAS’s objectives.
As the session concluded, Tinubu reiterated the need for sustained efforts to protect citizens, promote prosperity, and uphold democracy in West Africa.
