Kehinde Fajobi
Ghana’s newly sworn-in President, John Mahama, caused a stir on Tuesday when he mistakenly referred to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the “President of the Federal Republic of Ghana” during his inauguration speech in Accra.
The blunder occurred as Mahama acknowledged dignitaries in attendance.
“Your excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president of the Federal Republic of Ghana,” he said, sparking laughter and reactions online.
Social media users quickly pounced on the slip, with one X user commenting, “Did anyone else hear that President Mahama mistakenly referred to Nigeria’s President Tinubu as the President of Ghana? He has started again.”
Another user, Fiifi Sage, quipped, “No wonder his best friend is Tinubu. Opana has already sold our country to Nigeria.”
Albert Forson joked, “John Mahama announces his co-president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He’ll be ruling hand in hand with him.”
President Tinubu had travelled to Accra on Monday to attend Mahama’s inauguration at the president-elect’s invitation.
The two leaders share a cordial relationship, with Mahama visiting Tinubu in Abuja shortly after his re-election in December.
Despite the lighthearted moment, Mahama continued his address, which marked the start of his administration after winning Ghana’s December polls.