John Dramani Mahama has been sworn in as Ghana’s president for a second time. Thousands of Ghanaians attended the inauguration ceremony in the capital, Accra, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
Several African leaders graced the occasion, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame.
The ceremony took place at the Black Star Square, where Mahama delivered his inaugural address. He called for Ghana to “reset” on various fronts, prioritizing the economy, good governance, and the fight against corruption.
WATCH LIVE | Presidential Inauguration | Swearing-In of H.E John Mahama as Ghana's President https://t.co/kbbC3zAYXC
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) January 7, 2025
“There is a seismic shift happening within the system of global economic dominance,” Mahama said. “Now more than ever before, we need to strengthen our ties with our neighbors to ensure that we are working together to keep our sub-region safe.“
Mahama’s inauguration follows his victory in the December 7, 2024, elections, which the Commonwealth Observer Group commended for their orderly conduct. The election was seen as a litmus test for democracy in a region shaken by extremist violence and coups.
Ghana’s democratic journey has been remarkable for its smooth power transitions. Mahama himself handed power over to outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2017.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, commended Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles, noting that the country has become a beacon for democracy in the region. “Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles and its ability to implement them effectively make it a cherished member of the Commonwealth,” Scotland said.
“The impact of Ghana’s smooth transitions extends beyond its borders, as the country has become a model for democracy in the region and beyond.”
As Mahama begins his new term, he faces many challenges, including an economic crisis that has left many Ghanaians struggling to make ends meet.
The country is experiencing its worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, with high inflation and unemployment rates. Mahama has promised to focus on economic restoration and stabilization of the macroeconomic environment, as well as on good governance and the fight against corruption.
Ghanaians hope Mahama will deliver on his campaign promises. “I am hopeful that President Mahama will use the 24-hour economy he campaigned on to improve the country,” said Andrew Takyi, founder of a local fintech company. “He can use that to widen the tax base of small and medium enterprises to improve revenue,” he says.
Others are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the extractive industry. “I expect the Mahama administration to prioritize transparency and accountability in the extractive industry,” said Innocent Appiah, a senior media research officer. “Ensuring that the Precious Minerals Marketing Company plays a more effective role in regulating and monitoring the sector.“
Mahama will work closely with his vice president, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman, who was sworn in as the country’s first female vice president.
Together, they will address the country’s economic challenges and restore the Ghanaian people’s trust.
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