During his inauguration speech on January 7, 2025, Ghana’s newly sworn-in President, John Mahama, mistakenly referred to Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the “President of the Federal Republic of Ghana.”
This slip occurred while Mahama was acknowledging dignitaries present at the ceremony held at Independence Square in Accra. The error was widely discussed on social media, with users offering various reactions, ranging from humor to understanding of the pressures faced by public figures during significant events.
John Mahama’s inauguration marks his return to the presidency after previously serving from 2012 to 2017. He won the December 2024 election, defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party. The ceremony was attended by several world leaders, including President Tinubu.
Despite the gaffe, the inauguration proceeded smoothly, with Mahama outlining his administration’s plans to address Ghana’s economic challenges and pledging to invest in agriculture and infrastructure.
