John Dramani Mahama has officially been sworn in for a second term as Ghana’s president during a grand ceremony in the capital, Accra. The event was attended by approximately 20 African leaders, underscoring the importance of the occasion.
Mahama emerged victorious in the country’s presidential election on December 9, securing 56 percent of the vote. He defeated the ruling party candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 41 percent of the vote.
In his inaugural speech on Tuesday, the 66-year-old Mahama, dressed in the national attire of Ghana, called the moment a chance to “reset our country.” Addressing a jubilant crowd, he spoke of new opportunities for progress and unity. The atmosphere at Accra’s Black Star Square was electric, with thousands of enthusiastic supporters waving Ghanaian and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flags, chanting, and dancing to the rhythm of drums and the sound of vuvuzelas.
The ceremony was attended by numerous African leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore, Kenyan President William Ruto, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema, all of whom showed their support for Ghana’s democratic transition.
John Dramani Mahama, 66, was sworn in for his second term as president of Ghana, alongside Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who made history as the first woman to assume the office of vice president in the country.
John Dramani Mahama’s return to the presidency marks the end of eight years of governance by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo. Akufo-Addo’s final term was defined by significant economic challenges, including Ghana’s worst financial turmoil in years, a bailout from the International Monetary Fund, and a debt default.
Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to early 2017, had previously attempted to reclaim the presidency twice but had been unsuccessful. However, in the December election, he was able to tap into the growing desire for change among Ghanaians, securing a decisive victory.
The atmosphere at Black Star Square during his swearing-in was one of pure joy, hope, and optimism. Supporters of Mahama, waving flags and celebrating, expressed a collective belief in a brighter future as they gathered to witness this historic moment.
