President Akufo-Addo has noted the inspirational impact of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's election on the youth in Ghana, saying it has rekindled their hope and aspirations.

"The election of President Faye has rekindled hope for the youth, especially in Ghana, and all of them now want to be president," he said.

President Akufo-Addo was speaking on Friday when Senegalese President Faye paid him a visit at the Jubilee House as part of his official tour.

This visit was a segment of his “friendship and working” tour across key West African nations, including Nigeria and la Côte d’Ivoire.

He was accompanied by ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Security, along with other high-profile Senegalese officials.

Welcoming President Faye, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the historic and refreshing nature of the visit, emphasising the strong bond of friendship between Ghana and Senegal.

He said, "The election of President Faye was a source of reassurance for all who were interested in the democratic future of Ghana."

President Akufo-Addo noted that Senegal had faced challenges to its democratic principles and human rights, but ultimately, the country upheld its democratic values.

"At one time, Senegal’s reputation as a country committed to the principles of democratic accountability, and respect for human rights law was being jeopardised. But fortunately, good sense prevailed."

Despite the brevity of the visit, President Akufo-Addo stressed its significance. “As you’re aware, I went for his inauguration because of the history between our two countries and also because his election was a source of reassurance to those of us who believe in the democratic future of our region and continent.”

He lauded President Faye's peaceful and unifying ascent to the presidency, noting that Senegal is poised to play a crucial role in the development of the ECOWAS community.

“We are lucky in having a new leader in Senegal, and he is going to help us to try and resolve the big problem that we have in the ECOWAS community, and that is the purported departure of three of the key figures, key nations…that is Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism in President Faye's commitment to reviving dialogue within ECOWAS, aiming to extend a hand of brotherhood to the members who have exited.

“It is historically a very important set of measures to be taken to let it happen,” he emphasised.

In his response, President Faye commended President Akufo-Addo's Pan-African credentials and pledged to seek counsel on his ideals to achieve the desired levels of African integration.