Tinubu Calls on ECOWAS Leaders to Adopt Ghana’s Model for Democratic Growth

President Tinubu advises ECOWAS leaders to emulate Ghana’s democratic practices for better governance and regional stability, emphasizing the importance of fair elections and peaceful transitions.

President Bola Tinubu has called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to follow Ghana’s example in democratic practices, citing their successful presidential and parliamentary elections.

Last Saturday, former President John Mahama was reelected to lead Ghana once more. He triumphed over the current Vice President, Mahamud Bawumia, who conceded and congratulated him even before the official results were announced.

In his inaugural address at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja on Sunday, Chairman Tinubu emphasized that what transpired in Ghana should serve as a model for other countries within the region.

He praised the outgoing President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, who is attending his final ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government meeting as President, for the successful election.

Just a week ago, on December 7th, 2024, Ghana held its presidential and parliamentary elections in what is the second largest democracy in our region. One of the prominent candidates was His Excellency Mahamud Bawumia, the incumbent Vice President. Along with his party, New Patriotic Party (NPP), he conceded defeat and graciously acknowledged their loss by congratulating President-elect John Dramani Mahama from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for his victory even before the official results were announced.

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“This gesture, reminiscent of Nigeria in 2015, exemplified political maturity and respect for the will of Ghana’s people. Today, I want to congratulate President Nana Akufo-Addo—whom I refer to as Mr. Democrat—and the citizens of Ghana on their successful elections. It’s crucial that we all learn from this commendable democratic practice within our region and prioritize national unity in order to ensure political stability throughout West Africa and across the entire African continent,” Tinubu stated.

The Nigerian leader also praised Senegal for recently conducting its parliamentary elections successfully.

Tinubu urged ECOWAS member states to work together in ensuring the safety of their citizens and creating a supportive environment for them to prosper.

He stated that it is the responsibility of the citizens to improve their own living standards.

However, the ECOWAS chairman pointed out that various ECOWAS policies have strengthened economic cooperation.

After the speeches, the meeting moved into a closed-door session.