Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, paid an official visit to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, March 27, 2025, marking his first official trip to Nigeria since assuming office on January 7.

The meeting focused on regional security and diplomatic engagements with the military juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Mahama, who also serves as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue in addressing tensions between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and ECOWAS.

“I came to thank him for the honour done me during my inauguration but also to brief him on the visits to the Sahelian countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—and to bring him up to date with some of the issues and to discuss with him. As ECOWAS chairman, it’s my duty to come and brief him on some of the concerns that were raised there so that we continue to dialogue with those other countries," Mahama stated.

He acknowledged the complexity of the situation but expressed optimism that continued discussions would lead to a resolution.

“Well, it’s a complicated situation, and it’s not as easy as we think. We just need to continue to dialogue and see how we can continue to dialogue together,” he added.

In response, President Tinubu commended Mahama's diplomatic efforts, describing them as crucial to maintaining regional stability.

“I feel good that he is here in the first place. I am indeed very happy with the efforts he has made to have a bridge between the AES countries and ECOWAS. It’s not a bad idea for us because of the security situation in the Sahel region and what economic opportunity that we must embark on to ensure security of lives and prosperity of our citizens,” Tinubu said.

The Nigerian leader also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and fostering economic cooperation across West Africa.

The meeting comes months after Tinubu visited Mahama in Accra following the Ghanaian leader’s victory in the December 2024 presidential elections.