Mahama congratulates Lula da Silva on ‘well-deserved’ re-election as Brazil President

President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, describing his victory as well-deserved.

In a social media post on Monday, October 26, Mr Mahama expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and Brazil following the election.

He also highlighted the Accra Reset initiative as a platform for both countries to advance the interests of the Global South.

The Ghanaian leader said the two countries share a rich history and expressed his commitment to deepening cooperation for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

“Congratulations to President Luiz Lula da Silva on your well-deserved re-election as President of Brazil,” Mr Mahama wrote.

“Together, through the Accra Reset initiative, we will continue championing the Global South agenda for the betterment of our peoples,” he added.

Mr Mahama’s message comes after Mr Lula da Silva secured a fourth, non-consecutive term as Brazil’s president, defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested presidential run-off on Sunday, October 25.

Official results showed that Mr Lula won 51.79 per cent of valid votes, against Mr Bolsonaro’s 48.21 per cent, overturning his rival’s lead in the first round of voting held on October 4.

The victory marks a historic comeback for the 80-year-old president, who previously governed Brazil from 2003 to 2010 before returning to office in 2023.

He is the first presidential candidate since Brazil’s return to democracy in the 1980s to win a run-off after finishing second in the first round.

However, Mr Bolsonaro has refused to concede defeat and has indicated that he will seek to challenge the result, citing a decision to extend voting hours on election day.