EXTRA: Mahama slips, calls Tinubu ‘president of Ghana’ in inaugural speech

John Mahama, president of Ghana, appeared to trade places with President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria in a gaffe on Tuesday. 

During his inauguration speech, Mahama referred to Tinubu as Ghana’s president.

“Your excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president of the Federal Republic of Ghana,” Mahama said while acknowledging dignitaries at the event.

Mahama’s error stirred acerbic and sarcastic reactions on social media.

VIDEO: John Mahama mistakenly refers to Tinubu as president of Ghana during inauguration speech pic.twitter.com/pJiteg6qag

— TheCable (@thecableng) January 7, 2025

“Did anyone else hear that President Mahama mistakenly referred to Nigeria’s President Tinubu as the President of Ghana? He has started again,” an X user tweeted.

Here are more reactions.

No wonder his best friend is Tinubu. Opana has already sold our country to Nigeria, referring to Tinubu as the President of Ghana 😆😆😆
pic.twitter.com/UR2dK5Xke1

— Fiifi Sage (@_Fiifi_Sage) January 7, 2025

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John Mahama announces his co president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Ghana.

He’ll be ruling hand in hand with him .#Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/GPi4biRMbB

— Albert Forson (@kwameforson14) January 7, 2025

John Mahama announces his co president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Ghana.

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He’ll be ruling hand in hand with him .#Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/GPi4biRMbB

— Albert Forson (@kwameforson14) January 7, 2025

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Mahama just called Tinubu president of the Federal Republic of Ghana….we’re doomed

— Shady Bunny🇬🇭🐇🔰 (@BYKAdanko) January 7, 2025

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Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday for Accra, the Ghanaian capital, to attend Mahama’s inauguration.

A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said the trip was at the invitation of the president-elect.

Shortly after his re-election in December, Mahama visited Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Before the visit, Tinubu had joined other world leaders to congratulate Ghana’s new president on his victory at the polls.