Abuja, Nigeria – In a powerful address at the 66th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on West African leaders to draw inspiration from Ghana’s recent peaceful elections. The session, held on December 15, 2024, in Abuja, saw Tinubu commend Ghana’s democratic maturity and commitment to national unity.

A Model of Democratic Maturity

President Tinubu praised Ghana’s successful presidential and parliamentary elections held on December 7, 2024. He highlighted the exemplary conduct of Ghana’s incumbent Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) leadership, who conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), even before the official announcement of results. “This gesture, as it happened in Nigeria in 2015, demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people of Ghana,” Tinubu noted.

Call for Regional Unity and Stability

Tinubu urged ECOWAS leaders to prioritize national unity and political stability, emphasizing that peaceful transitions should become the norm in West Africa and the entire African continent. “I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritize our country’s national unity to ensure political stability of the region,” he said.

Commendation of Leadership

The Nigerian President also lauded President Nana Akufo-Addo’s exceptional leadership and his role as a committed Pan-Africanist during his two-year term. He praised Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, for her leadership in the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of Reform and wished her success in her new role as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Achievements and Future Goals

In his second term as ECOWAS Chair, Tinubu outlined the achievements from his first term, including advancements in regional integration, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts. He highlighted initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), the Common External Tariff (CET), and infrastructure projects like the West African Gas Pipeline and the West Africa Power Pool. “Our efforts in stabilizing our region through peacekeeping missions currently in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, as well as previous operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, have demonstrated our capacity to act decisively in the face of adversity,” he stated.

Commitment to Regional Security

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism, describing it as a comprehensive framework to combat violent extremism and enhance regional security. He stressed the need for member states to collaborate closely to address the root causes of terrorism and ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens. “We must work together to create a secure and prosperous region for all our people,” Tinubu urged.

Economic Integration and Development

Tinubu also highlighted the significance of economic integration in achieving sustainable development in West Africa. He called for the implementation of policies that promote trade, investment, and infrastructure development across the region. “Economic integration is key to unlocking the full potential of our region and improving the lives of our people,” he said. Tinubu emphasized the need for member states to remove trade barriers and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Social and Human Development

In addition to economic and security concerns, Tinubu underscored the importance of social and human development. He called for increased investment in education, healthcare, and social services to ensure that all citizens have access to basic necessities and opportunities for growth. “Our development agenda must be inclusive and people-centered, focusing on the well-being of every individual in our region,” he stated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for ECOWAS leaders to emulate Ghana’s peaceful elections underscores the importance of democratic maturity and national unity in West Africa. His commendation of Ghana’s leadership and his emphasis on regional stability, security, and economic integration highlight the critical role of cooperation and commitment in achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the region. As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, Tinubu’s vision for a united and prosperous West Africa serves as a guiding light for the future.