John Dramani Mahama has been officially sworn in as Ghana’s president at a grand inauguration ceremony held at the Black Star Square in Accra. The
John Dramani Mahama has been officially sworn in as Ghana’s president at a grand inauguration ceremony held at the Black Star Square in Accra.
The 65-year-old assumes office after a decisive victory in last year’s presidential election, where he secured 56.6 percent of the vote against the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, then Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 41.6 percent. This margin of victory is the largest seen in Ghana’s elections in 24 years, with a voter turnout of 60.9 percent.
Mahama replaces Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, promising to address pressing issues such as economic challenges, corruption, unemployment, and the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.”
The victory also continues Ghana’s tradition of alternating power between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP, with no party winning more than two consecutive terms since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992.
Mahama and his Vice-President-elect Professor Jane Naane Opoku Agyemang were administered the oaths of office by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo with the latter taking her turn first in the ceremony which also doubled as a sitting of the ninth Parliament.
They took the Oath of Allegiance first followed by the Oaths for their respective Offices as President and Vice President.
In his inaugural speech, Mahama addressed key national issues, outlining his vision for the future of Ghana.
The challenges facing Mahama’s administration are significant. During his previous tenure, Ghana grappled with economic difficulties, persistent power cuts, and corruption scandals. Many Ghanaians are hopeful that his return will herald a new era of progress and accountability.
As the nation enters this new chapter under Mahama’s leadership, all eyes are on his administration to deliver on its promises and restore hope to the Ghanaian people. The coming months will be critical in shaping the legacy of his unprecedented third term.
