Amidst jubilant scenes and a beautiful display of national pride, John Dramani Mahama, 66, was sworn in as Ghana’s president for a third term at a grand ceremony in Accra’s iconic Black Star Square. His inauguration was graced by around 20 African leaders, symbolizing regional solidarity and the continent’s shared aspirations.
Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured a decisive victory with 56% of the vote in the December 7 presidential election, defeating Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 41%. His return marks the end of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure, which faced significant economic challenges, including a debt crisis and an IMF bailout.
In his inaugural speech, Mahama emphasized renewal and transformation: “Today marks an opportunity to reset our country.” Clad in traditional attire reflecting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, he addressed an ecstatic crowd adorned in the NDC’s green, red, black, and white. Drums, vuvuzelas, and chants of hope filled the air, celebrating a new chapter in Ghanaian politics.
The ceremony witnessed notable attendance from African leaders, including Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and Kenya’s William Ruto, underscoring Mahama’s stature as a Pan-African statesman. Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s first female vice president, also took the oath of office, marking a historic milestone for gender representation in the nation’s leadership.
Mahama’s previous presidency (2012–2017) faced electoral setbacks, but his triumphant return reflects a wave of popular yearning for change. His leadership has reignited hope for economic revival and rural development, as echoed by supporters like Akosua Nyarko, a teacher, and Mohammed Abubakar, a farmer, who envision a brighter future under his guidance.
A seasoned politician and a passionate writer, Mahama’s life journey—shaped by his experiences during the 1966 coup and chronicled in My First Coup d’Etat—has equipped him with unique insights into governance and resilience.
Ghana, a beacon of political stability and democracy in Africa, now looks to Mahama’s leadership to navigate pressing challenges. With its rich resources as the continent’s top gold exporter and the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, the nation’s success remains a key part of Africa’s collective prosperity.
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