Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will travel to Accra on Monday, 6 January, to attend the inauguration of Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, on Tuesday, 7 January.

The event marks Mahama’s return to leadership, having previously served as Ghana’s 12th President from 2012 to 2017.

Following his re-election in December 2024, Mr. Mahama will succeed outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, whose tenure spanned from 2017 to 2025.

According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu, the visit underscores the longstanding personal relationship between Mahama and Tinubu, as well as the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and Ghana.  

President Tinubu’s attendance follows an invitation extended by the President-elect during a visit to Nigeria in December.  

In addition to witnessing the swearing-in, Tinubu will represent the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, joining other African leaders at the ceremony. 

The Nigerian delegation accompanying President Tinubu will include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, along with other senior government officials.  

Mr. Mahama’s inauguration is expected to emphasise Ghana’s democratic legacy, as the country continues to be a beacon of stability and effective governance within the West African subregion.

Delegations from the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union are also expected to be in attendance at the ceremony.