By Ewoenam Kpodo, GNA
Ho, May 27, GNA – The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana has congratulated Mr Romuald Wadagni on his inauguration as Benin’s President, describing his swearing-in as “the rise of a new generation of African leadership” and a signal that “Africa’s future is now.”
Mr Wadagni, elected president of Benin on April 12, was sworn into office on May 24 as the country’s fifth president since the return of democratic rule began in February 1990.
Mr Wadagni pledged to uphold and defend the Constitution, carry out his duties faithfully, and dedicate himself to the common good, peace, and national unity.
A congratulatory message signed May 26 by Mr Anthony Kofituo Morrison, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber said Mr Wadagni’s election with more than 94 percent of the vote represented not just a democratic milestone for Benin, but a defining moment for the continent.
“Today marks far more than the swearing-in of a Head of State. Today marks the rise of a new generation of African leadership,” the message read.
At 49, Mr Wadagni becomes one of Africa’s youngest democratically elected presidents.
The Chamber highlighted his career trajectory from Deloitte France, where he served as partner and CEO, to a decade as Benin’s Minister of Economy and Finance, crediting his stewardship with lifting Benin’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth from 1.8 percent in 2015 to about 8 percent, while cutting the national deficit by a third to 3 percent of GDP 6.
“Your remarkable journey from global finance and executive leadership to national public service and now the Presidency stands as a powerful testament to discipline, excellence, vision, and service,” the message said
The statement praised Mr Wadagni’s focus on economic transformation, private sector growth, youth employment, regional trade, and infrastructure development, saying his pledge that “national growth must be felt in the everyday lives of citizens” resonates across Africa, particularly with young entrepreneurs and professionals.
For Ghana’s agribusiness sector, the Chamber pointed to opportunities for deeper collaboration with Benin in agro-industrialisation, food systems transformation, agricultural trade, logistics, and regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“We look forward to stronger partnerships between our nations and institutions in advancing food security, industrial growth, and economic prosperity for our people,” it said.
The statement said Mr Wadagni’s seven-year mandate offers a chance to lead Benin into a new chapter of inclusive growth, industrial transformation, and regional integration.
“May your presidency be guided by wisdom, courage, humility, and bold vision… and may your presidency help shape a stronger, more united, and economically transformed Africa.
“Congratulations once again on this historic inauguration. Africa stands with Benin. West Africa stands with Benin. The agribusiness community of Ghana stands with Benin. And the young people of Africa stand inspired by your leadership,” it ended.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Ewoenam Kpodo, GNA