By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Mahama today led Ghana’s delegation to Abidjan for the swearing-in of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace, drew several African leaders and former presidents in a strong show of regional solidarity.
In his address, President Ouattara thanked Ivorians and visiting heads of state for their support, reaffirming his commitment to peace, national cohesion, and serving as “President for all Ivorians.”
The ceremony highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s growing political stability and influence in the sub-region, drawing delegations from across West and Central Africa.
President John Mahama led Ghana’s delegation, joining an impressive lineup of leaders including Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio,who also serves as ECOWAS Chair, Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and Congo-Brazzaville’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso.
Former leaders such as Laurent Gbagbo of Côte d’Ivoire, Mohamed Bazoum of Niger, and Ghana’s former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo were also present, underscoring the historic and diplomatic weight of the event. The broad attendance signalled strong regional confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership and future.
In his address, President Ouattara expressed gratitude to Ivorians and visiting leaders for their support, saying their presence affirmed a shared commitment to democracy, peace, and cooperation. He thanked citizens for the trust shown in the 25 October election and pledged to remain “president of all Ivorians.”
He outlined key priorities for his new mandate, including peacebuilding, economic development, national cohesion, fiscal reforms, digital transformation, agriculture, and energy.
In a region grappling with security and economic pressures, the investiture reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s position as a stable and reliable partner, marking both continuity for Ivorians and a renewed call for stronger regional cooperation.
