On January 7, 2025, John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as Ghana’s president at Accra’s Black Star Square, marking his return to the nation’s highest office after previously serving from 2012 to 2017.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by approximately 20 regional leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traoré, and Kenyan President William Ruto, underscoring the event’s international significance.
Mahama secured 56% of the vote in the December 9 election, defeating ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 41%.
His victory concluded eight years of governance by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose tenure was marked by significant economic challenges, including an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout and a debt default.
In his inaugural address, Mahama emphasized the need to “reset our country,” signaling his administration’s commitment to addressing the economic difficulties facing Ghana.
He highlighted plans to tackle issues such as inflation, unemployment, and corruption, aiming to restore public trust and improve livelihoods.
The ceremony was marked by vibrant cultural performances and a jubilant crowd adorned in the green, red, black, and white colors of Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) party.
Supporters expressed optimism about the new administration’s potential to bring about positive change.
Akosua Nyarko, a 28-year-old teacher from Cape Coast, remarked, “I’ve never been so proud to be Ghanaian… This is the dawn of a new era!”
Mahama’s return to the presidency comes as Ghana faces its most severe economic crisis in a generation.
In December, the country experienced a rise in consumer inflation for the fourth consecutive month, reaching 23.8% year on year, driven by higher food prices. This marks the highest rate in the last eight months.
To address these challenges, Mahama has pledged to implement reforms in key sectors.
Notably, he plans to restructure the cocoa industry by transforming the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) into a regulatory and quality control body, allowing farmers to receive payments directly.
This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and boost production in the world’s second-largest cocoa producer.
The inauguration also saw the swearing-in of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Vice President, making her the first woman to hold the position in Ghana.
Her appointment is seen as a significant step toward gender inclusivity in the nation’s political landscape.
As Mahama’s administration begins its term, there is a collective hope among Ghanaians for effective governance and economic revitalization.
The new leadership faces the immediate task of stabilizing the economy, curbing inflation, and implementing policies that will lead to sustainable growth and improved living standards for the populace.
