In a historic moment at 11:13 a.m. yesterday, Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo officially swore in John Dramani Mahama as the sixth President of the Republic of Ghana.
His inauguration marks a significant political comeback on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following his re-election, after two defeats to Nana Akufo-Addo in 2016 and 2020.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the iconic Black Star Square, brought together dignitaries including heads of state, diplomats, traditional rulers, clergy and massive public turnout.
In his inaugural address, President Mahama charted a bold vision for Ghana’s future, emphasising unity, accountability and socio-economic transformation.
He urged Ghanaians to embrace a “national reset” aimed at restoring faith in leadership, rebuilding the economy and fostering inclusivity.
President Mahama underscored the importance of moving beyond partisan divisions to achieve common goals.
He acknowledged the role of political opposition in a healthy democracy, thereby extended an olive branch to his predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo, calling him a “worthy opponent” and expressing respect for their past political battles.
Focus on Economic Recovery
Mr. Mahama pledged to prioritise economic stability and growth, announcing plans to revamp Ghana’s business environment and introduce a fairer tax system.
“We will rationalise our tax systems to make them fair and transparent. The business community must know that Ghana is back in business,” he declared.
He rehashed the introduction of the 24-hour economy to create jobs, stimulate local industries, and attract foreign investments. This vision includes keeping markets, public services and businesses operational around the clock to meet diverse citizen needs.
This vision is in line with the need to tap into the potential of youth and women as drivers of national progress. He described Ghana’s young population as the “heartbeat of democracy” and vowed to implement policies that foster job creation and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Mahama also celebrated Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s historic role as Ghana’s first female vice president.
He described her inauguration as a milestone for gender equality, pledging to create opportunities that empower women and remove societal barriers.
Regional and Global Cooperation
President Mahama reiterated his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s ties within the West African region and the global community. He called for collaborative efforts to address pressing challenges, including climate change and regional stability.
“To our friends from across Africa and the world, I say ‘Akwaaba!’ Your presence today reaffirms our shared commitment to cooperation and progress,” he said.
Mr. Mahama rallied Ghanaians to unite behind his vision for a better Ghana, urging collective responsibility in building a nation that upholds unity, equality, and transparency.
“This is a patriotic call to action for all of us to participate in building a nation that lives up to its promise,” he declared.
The President concluded with a prayer for the nation, invoking God’s blessings and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability and transformative governance.
