Ghana’s new president John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office on January 7, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra with dignitaries from across Africa and the world.
In his inaugural speech, President John Mahama misspoke and referred to Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion, as “President of the Federal Republic of Ghana.”
GhanaFact observed that a number of Nigerian media outlets shared the video on their social media handles (here, here, here). Some Ghanaian social media users have commented on the claim. (here, here, here.)
Fact-check:
Through a review of the Livestream of his speech as posted on Mahama’s official Facebook handle, he is heard saying: “Your Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Ghana, and special guest of honour for this occasion.” (watch from 39:10 seconds onwards)
However, the full text of the speech as published by state-owned Daily Graphic, Ghana News Agency, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and other news portals (here, here, here) read:
“Your Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and special guest of honor for this occasion.”
From the above, President Mahama misspoke during his speech by referring to Tinubu as President of Ghana but the official text reflects Tinubu’s correct designation.
Verdict
It is true John Mahama referred to Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Ghana.
Researched by Alfa Shaban
