Ghana has sworn in new president John Mahama in a colorful ceremony that marked a significant moment in the country’s democratic journey following the election last month.
Over 10,000 jubilant Ghanaians thronged Independence Square in Accra for the January 7, 2025 inauguration, joining international dignitaries and heads of state to witness this historic transition of power.
The inauguration marks a remarkable political comeback for Mahama, who returns to the presidency after previously serving from 2013 to 2017. His journey back to the presidency has been one of persistence, having faced defeats in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
In a powerful inaugural address that resonated with both hope and pragmatism, the new president outlined his vision for the nation’s future.
“We shall Reset our Dear Ghana,” President Mahama declared, echoing his campaign message. He assured his supporters that “your courage to bring change will not go in vain.”
The ceremony drew an impressive array of African and international leaders, including both current and former heads of state. Notable attendees included Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa alongside former President Jacob Zuma. The BRICS coalition was represented by delegations from Brazil, Russia, India, and China, underlining the global significance of Ghana’s democratic transition.
The West African region was well represented with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traore, and leaders from Mali and Niger in attendance. Other African heads of state included Botswana’s Mokgweetsi Masisi and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, demonstrating strong regional solidarity and support for Ghana’s democratic process.
Speaking candidly about the nation’s current challenges, Mahama addressed the economic hardships that have affected many Ghanaians. His speech balanced acknowledgment of these difficulties with a forward-looking message of transformation and renewal.
The president emphasized the critical link between democratic governance and tangible improvements in citizens’ lives. “If democracy is to be celebrated as the best form of governance, then its outcomes must be evident in the daily lives of citizens,” he stated. He further noted that “an honest assessment of the nation’s pulse reveals a widespread sentiment of disconnection from the promised dividends of democracy.”
His decisive victory in the December 2024 election, where he secured 57.7% of the votes against former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s 38.2%, has been hailed as a testament to Ghana’s maturing democracy.
The inauguration represents not just a transfer of power but a potential turning point for Ghana, as the new administration prepares to tackle the country’s pressing challenges while pursuing its agenda for national renewal.
