Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on West African nations to learn from Ghana’s example of conducting peaceful and credible elections.
President Tinubu made this call at the opening of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Abuja, Nigeria.
He praised Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the people of Ghana for their commitment to democracy and national unity, citing the success of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections held on December 7, 2024.
“I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritise our country’s national unity to ensure political stability of the region so that this manner of peaceful transition becomes the culture of democracy not only in West Africa but also in the entire African continent,” Tinubu said.
With ECOWAS approaching its 50th anniversary in 2025, President Tinubu emphasized the need for member states to reaffirm their dedication to regional peace, economic integration, and stability.
“As a regional community, we must maintain our fundamental responsibility: to protect our citizens and create an enabling environment where they can prosper. 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,” he stated.
The session was attended by heads of state from Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, and Ghana. Sierra Leone was represented by its Vice President, while senior officials represented Benin, Togo, and Cape Verde.
The ECOWAS meeting provided a platform to discuss critical issues, including security challenges, political stability, and economic cooperation in the region, as the bloc prepares to mark its golden jubilee in 2025.
President Tinubu’s call comes at a time when West Africa faces a mix of democratic gains and political setbacks, making Ghana’s electoral success a model for the region.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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