The president made the call for consensus in Nigeria as he addressed guests at the annual presentation of new year greetings to the diplomatic corps at Peduase Lodge on Tuesday evening.
President Akufo-Addo has appealed to all political actors in Nigeria to seek consensus, as a matter of importance, to address the challenges they are encountering after their national elections on Saturday 25 February 2023.
Akufo-Addo argued that events in Nigeria have direct implications for other countries across West Africa and the entire African continent. Given this, political stakeholders in Nigeria need to find an amicable solution to whatever grievances they may have about the 2023 presidential election, he said.
The president made this call when he addressed members of the diplomatic community at the annual presentation of new year greetings to the diplomatic corps at Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region on Tuesday (28 February 2023).
“I cannot end today without expressing the solidarity of the Ghanaian people with the brotherly people of our great neighbour, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as they encounter significant challenges in the ongoing national elections for new national leadership,” the president said.
“I hope that these challenges will be resolved peacefully in accordance with due process and that the will of the Nigerian people will be duly manifested,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“The impact on the course of democracy in West Africa and, indeed, in the entire continent of Africa by the events in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised.
“We wish them the best of luck and God’s blessings,” the president said.
Fight against terrorism
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, called on the diplomatic community to impress upon their countries to support efforts by African countries aimed at addressing insecurity challenges on the continent.
Addressing the ambassadors at the Peduase ceremony, she said: “I wish to use this opportunity to reiterate the call on the international community to support regional initiatives to complement the fight against growing threats to peace and security, including terrorism, violent extremist attacks, maritime destabilisation and unconstitutional changes in government.”
Dean of diplomatic corps
The dean of the diplomatic corps and ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, His Excellency Pingrenoma Zagré, in his remarks, commended Ghana, as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), for contributing to peace and security for a better world.
He also observed that Ghana, under the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is to be commended for championing the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
On behalf of the diplomatic corps in Ghana, His Excellency Zagré conveyed the best wishes of the community to President Akufo-Addo, his government, family, and the entire population of Ghana.
Credit to Asaaseradio
