President Bola Tinubu has said African countries have nothing to prove to anyone except themselves, urging that it was high time for critics of Africa to recognise the strides made by nations like Ghana, Nigeria and others, without constantly asking African countries to “prove themselves”.
The Nigerian leader spoke on Tuesday, in his address at the swearing-in ceremony of Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama.
Salient Times reports that Mahama was sworn in as the 14th President of Ghana at the Black Star Square in Accra. He served as the 12th president of Ghana between 2011 and 2017 and was re-elected on 7th December, 2024. He succeeds Nana Akuffo-Addo (2017-2025).
In his address, President Tinubu said, “This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.
“Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves.
“We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.
“Today, I am here not only as the President of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora. The sun is out, and the sky says daylight, but I see today a Black star rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation, and its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare.
“While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be. That star means that we shall always strive to work together.
“Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement. Never, never shall we harm others and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.”
