Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has praised President Julius Maada Bio for inviting former President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma to attend the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, describing the gesture as a model of democratic tolerance and political maturity.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit in Lungi, President Mahama said President Bio’s decision to include his predecessor in such a significant regional event reflected a commitment to national unity and reconciliation, despite recent political and legal developments involving the former president.
According to Mahama, the invitation demonstrated the importance of placing national interest above political differences and reinforced the values of inclusive leadership and democratic governance that ECOWAS continues to promote across the West African sub-region.
He noted that such acts of statesmanship strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and send a positive signal to the international community about Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace, stability, and political dialogue.
Former President Koroma attended the summit as a guest of President Bio and witnessed the ceremonial handover of the ECOWAS Chairmanship. The event brought together Heads of State and Government to discuss regional priorities, including security, democratic governance, economic integration, and constitutional order.
During the summit, leaders deliberated on the worsening security situation in the Sahel, the need to combat terrorism and violent extremism, and strategies to strengthen democratic institutions and constitutional governance across the region. They also discussed measures to promote intra-regional trade, economic resilience, and deeper regional integration.
The summit concluded with President Bio formally handing over the ECOWAS Chairmanship to Senegal’s President, who will now lead the regional bloc in advancing peace, security, democratic governance, and economic development among member states.
Mahama’s remarks have been widely viewed as recognition of President Bio’s efforts to foster political inclusiveness and national cohesion, with the invitation to former President Koroma standing out as one of the notable moments of the regional gathering.
