Ghana’s main opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo has congratulated president-elect of The Gambia, Adama Barrow.
The property developer beat incumbent Yahya Jammeh who has ruled the small country for 22 years by 50,000 votes in Thursday’s polls.
Mr Akufo-Addo, who is also seeking to unseat President John Mahama in the December 7 polls in Ghana said in a statement that: “This is to extend my warmest congratulations to the United Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Adama Barrow, on his hard-fought victory in the Gambian presidential election of December 1, 2016.”
“Through the peaceful exercise of their sovereign and democratic right to elect their own leaders, the people of Gambia have opened a new chapter in their history, and have moved to strengthen the frontiers of their democracy.
“This is the first time, in 22 years that a sitting President has been rejected at the polls. It has reinforced the democratic notion that the people have the power to change governments through peaceful means.
“President Yahaya Jammeh is to be commended for graciously conceding defeat, thereby laying to rest any lingering suspicion and anxiety about the fate of Gambia in the aftermath of the elections.
“It is my hope and expectation that the President-Elect’s tenure in office will be marked by the delivery of progress and prosperity to the Gambian people in conditions of freedom and the rule of law.
“Warm congratulations once again to Adama Barrow, and best wishes for his success as he prepares to take up the responsibilities and challenges of the high office of President of the Republic of Gambia,” Mr Akufo-Addo added.
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