Newly Sworn-In Ghanaian President John Mahama Shocks Crowd, Calls Bola Tinubu ‘President of Ghana (Video)
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In an unexpected moment during his inauguration speech, Ghana’s newly sworn-in President, John Dramani Mahama, mistakenly referred to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the “President of Ghana.” The statement, made during a historic event in Accra, left the crowd and dignitaries in attendance visibly stunned.
The slip of the tongue has since gone viral, sparking lively discussions across social media platforms and raising questions about how the error occurred.
The Inauguration of John Mahama
John Dramani Mahama, who previously served as Ghana’s president from 2011 to 2017, reclaimed the presidency after a decisive victory in the December 2024 elections. The inauguration, held in Accra on January 7, 2025, was attended by numerous African leaders, including President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who was present in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
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The event was marked by colorful displays of Ghanaian culture, a renewed sense of hope among citizens, and pledges of regional unity. However, Mahama’s gaffe overshadowed much of the ceremony’s proceedings.
The Viral Gaffe
While addressing the audience, President Mahama praised the presence of ECOWAS leaders and regional partners. In a moment that appeared to be a simple mistake, he referred to Bola Tinubu as the “President of Ghana.” The crowd reacted with a mix of laughter, gasps, and murmurs of disbelief.
Observers noted that Mahama quickly moved past the error without acknowledging it, but the moment was already captured on video and widely shared online.
You can watch the full video on TJ News Nigeria’s YouTube channel, where it continues to draw reactions from across the globe.
Reactions from the Crowd and Social Media
The incident has sparked a frenzy on social media, with hashtags like #MahamaGaffe and #PresidentTinubu trending across platforms.
Some commentators have dismissed the statement as a harmless slip of the tongue, while others have speculated about the potential implications of such a high-profile error.
- Twitter User @AfricanPolitico: “We’ve all made mistakes, but calling Tinubu the President of Ghana is next-level awkward!”
- Political Analyst Akosua Nyamekye: “This gaffe may be nothing more than nerves, but it shows how closely Ghana’s political landscape is intertwined with Nigeria’s.”
Implications for Ghana-Nigeria Relations
While the gaffe is unlikely to cause any diplomatic fallout, it highlights the interconnectedness of Ghana and Nigeria, two of West Africa’s most influential nations. Both countries have long maintained strong economic and political ties, with leaders frequently engaging in regional collaborations through ECOWAS and other initiatives.
The moment may also serve as a reminder of the pressures faced by public figures during high-stakes events like presidential inaugurations.
Also Read: Tinubu Approves Lavish Retirement Benefits for Service Chiefs and Generals
John Mahama’s inauguration as Ghana’s president marks a significant milestone for the nation, but the unexpected gaffe has become one of the most talked-about moments of the day. As the viral clip continues to circulate, it serves as a lighthearted yet poignant reminder of the humanity behind political leadership.
What do you think about this incident? Was it a harmless mistake or an avoidable blunder? Share your thoughts below!
