President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Ghana for its peaceful transition of power, describing it as a beacon of democracy for West Africa.
Speaking at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Tinubu praised Ghana’s December 7 elections, where the ruling party conceded defeat even before official results were announced.
He called it “a demonstration of political maturity and respect for the will of the people.”
President Tinubu who is the
ECOWAS Chairman, described the outgoing Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo as “Mr. Democrat” and commended his steadfast commitment to democratic principles.
He urged other West African leaders to emulate Ghana’s example, emphasizing the importance of peaceful transitions for political stability and regional unity.
Tinubu who also acknowledged challenges in the region, including security threats and economic instability commended ECOWAS initiatives such as the West African Gas Pipeline and the ECOWAS Standby Force.
In his address, the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Aliou Touré announced Nigeria’s historic full payment of its 2023 and partial 2024 community levies, amounting to ₦85 billion and $54 million.
Dr. Touré described Nigeria action as a major step in strengthening the bloc’s financial stability and lauded President Tinubu’s administration for reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS.
He urged other member states to fulfill their financial obligations to foster unity and regional integration.
Touré also highlighted progress in tackling regional security challenges, including terrorism, through the ECOWAS Standby Force and UN-backed initiatives.
Reflecting on recent democratic successes in Ghana and Senegal, he expressed concerns over the impending withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS.
The session concluded with tributes to Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo and AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat for their roles in promoting democracy and stability.
ECOWAS leaders proceeded to a closed-door meeting, with a communiqué been expected.
