Newly elected Ghana president John Mahama has held a historic meeting with outgoing president Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, marking the beginning of country’s presidential transition process.
The meeting comes upon the invitation of the outgoing president Akufo-Addo, signaling a commitment to a smooth and peaceful transfer of power following the December 7, 2024 election.
He was accompanied by his vice president Jane Nana Opoku Agyemang, who becomes Ghana’s first female to ascend to that seat.
In a detailed post about the meeting, Mahama elaborated on the encounter, providing insights into the discussions. “I responded to President @NAkufoAddo’s invitation for a courtesy visit to the Presidency this morning to begin the transition process,” he wrote. “We had a cordial meeting, and the President briefed me on security and the economy. Later today, we will inaugurate the Joint Transition Team.”
Mahama also expressed deep appreciation for the outgoing president’s gestures. “I also expressed my sincerest appreciation to the President for his phone call on Monday to congratulate me. It was a good mark of statesmanship, giving me a sense of déjà vu,” he added.
In a landmark victory, Mahama secured 56.5% of the votes, decisively defeating the current Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, who garnered 41.6% of the vote. Although results from nine constituencies are still pending, election officials have officially declared the final outcome, as these remaining constituencies cannot alter the overall election result. This election marks a historic return to power for Mahama, representing a clear mandate from Ghanaian voters.
Representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahama has already assembled a transitional team, preparing for a comprehensive handover of governmental responsibilities.
The meeting on Wednesday caps a remarkable political journey for Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to January 6, 2017, before losing the 2016 election to Akufo-Addo. Akufo-Addo went on to serve two consecutive terms, from January 7, 2017, and sets to end his tenure on January 6, 2025. Mahama’s recent election marks his return to the presidency, with his new term set to run from January 7, 2025, to January 6, 2029.
