Ghana’s John Mahama was sworn in as president at a colourful ceremony in the capital, Accra, on Tuesday.
He takes over from outgoing president Nana Akufo-Addo, who served two terms in power. The last of these was marked by Ghana’s worst economic turmoil in years, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, and a debt default.
Mahama won 56% of the vote in the nation’s December 9 presidential election, defeating the ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41%.
Mahama’s four-year term is his second stint in Ghana’s top job, serving between 2013 and 2017.
He took the oath of office at Accra’s Black Star Square, cheered on by thousands of Ghanaians.
“I, John Dramani Mahama, do, in the name of the almighty God, swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Ghana as by law established that I would uphold the sovereignty and integrity of Ghana,” he said in taking his oath of office administered by the Chief Justice of Ghana.
“And that I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the Republic of Ghana, so help me God.”
Mahama’s deputy, Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, also took the oath of office as Ghana’s first-ever female vice president. Her assumption of office is seen as a significant signal of Ghana’s readiness to deepen the inclusion of women at the highest levels of political leadership.
Over 12 heads of state from across Africa and beyond attended the ceremony.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the current chair of the West African bloc ECOWAS, was the special guest of honour. Other African presidents, including Kenya’s William Ruto, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi, were present.
The new president promised to serve with dignity and humility during his speech. His priority, he said, was to revitalise the Ghanaian economy.06
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded Ghana’s democratic achievements during President John Dramani Mahama’s swearing-in in Accra.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, Tinubu highlighted the significance of peaceful democratic transitions in Ghana and across Africa, underscoring the continent’s capacity to overcome challenges and achieve progress.
“This moment does not merely symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society,” Tinubu said, “it further demonstrates that in West Africa, we are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.”
The Nigerian leader, who described Mahama as a “patriotic visionary,” emphasised the shared history and unity between Ghana and Nigeria.
He called for stronger cooperation to address pressing issues such as poverty, youth unemployment, and instability. He expressed confidence in the new administration’s ability to drive progress for Ghana and the wider West African region.
Tinubu invoked the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, likening Ghana’s democracy to a “Black star rising high in the African sky.”
He urged Africans to reject divisive narratives and instead pursue peaceful dialogue and collaboration.
“As we celebrate Ghana today, we celebrate African democracy,” Tinubu said. “We need not prove ourselves to anyone except ourselves. We can lift our nations from poverty and build strong, resilient economies.”
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Mahama’s government, highlighting the deep bonds of friendship and shared destiny between the two nations.
“President Mahama, you know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken,” Tinubu assured.
The event, attended by regional leaders and dignitaries, marked a significant moment for Ghana’s democracy and a call for renewed momentum in advancing subregional integration and economic progress.
Tinubu concluded his remarks with a message of hope and unity for Ghana, Nigeria, and the African continent.
“May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.”
The swearing-in of President Mahama signals a new chapter in Ghana’s political journey. Leaders across the region expressed optimism for enhanced cooperation and shared prosperity in West Africa.
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