President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nana Akufo-Addo, candidate of the New Patriotic Party, NPP, in the just concluded Ghana presidential election, on his victory at the polls.

This was contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, on Saturday.

Buhari also commended the government and people of Ghana, the National Electoral Commission, and candidates of political parties, “for the decorum, maturity and peaceful conduct of the election that produced a winner from an opposition party, who was contesting for the third time.”

“As a scion of one of the biggest political families in Ghana, and with the lessons learnt from previous unsuccessful attempts preceded by years of service to the country, most notably as foreign affairs minister, President Buhari believes Akufo-Addo is widely experienced and skilled in leadership to build on the legacies of President John Dramani Mahama,” Adesina stated.

President Buhari also eulogized the incumbent President, John Mahama, for his statesmanship and great leadership qualities.

He recalled that Mahama came into power at a trying period in the history of Ghana, following the death of former President John Atta-Mills, adding that the President has kept pushing for a better life for all Ghanaians, and strengthening diplomatic relations with countries in the sub-region, especially Nigeria.

Buhari commended president Maham for the great courage to call his opponent and concede defeat, pointing out that political leaders must always honour their pre-election pledge to accept the results of polls as the will of the people.

He called on the president-elect and other winners of the parliamentary elections in Ghana to be magnanimous in victory while losers should explore peaceful and legal mechanisms to challenge the outcome of the polls where necessary.

Adesina stated that “President Buhari remains optimistic that the future of African development rests on building strong political, democratic institutions, ensuring free, fair and credible elections, and respect for the sanctity of the ballot.”