Today, John Dramani Mahama will be inaugurated as Ghana’s 14th President, thereby making history as one of African ex-presidents to make a comeback to power. He served as the 12th president between 2011 and 2017 and was re-elected in December last year to succeed President Nana Akuffo-Addo. ADEKUNLE JIMOH examines the significance of the event and the Ghanaian leader’s affinity with Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu departed Lagos for Accra, Ghana, yesterday to attend the inauguration of Ghanaian President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, today.
President Tinubu took off from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja on the trip, at the invitation of Mahama, who had visited the Nigerian leader in December.
Mahama served as Ghana’s 12th president from 2011 to 2017 and was re-elected in December last year to succeed President Nana Akufo-Addo.
As Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu will join other African leaders at the inauguration. President Tinubu is accompanied on the trip by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and other senior government officials. No fewer than 21 Heads of State, along with a high-level delegation of foreign dignitaries, are expected to attend the inauguration.
The Ministry of Information confirmed in a statement yesterday that the guests will include three Vice Presidents, four ministers and 24 envoys, reflecting substantial diplomatic support for Ghana’s presidential transition. The ministry also expressed appreciation for the “overwhelming support and solidarity from the international community” ahead of the ceremony, which will take place at Parliament House.
To ensure the security and smooth proceedings of the event, the government has put in place comprehensive security and logistical arrangements, including temporary road closures around key venues from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today. The acting Chief Director at the Ministry of Information, Lily-Fati Soale, signed the official announcement, which also outlined media coverage plans and traffic management protocols for the event.
Following Mahama’s victory in Ghana’s general election on December 7 2024, President Tinubu has congratulated the President-elect after his opponent’s concession speech. In a telephone conversation with Mahama, Tinubu expressed optimism that his second term would contribute to further strengthening stability within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, Tinubu commended the people of Ghana for their unwavering commitment to democracy, highlighted by the peaceful and successful conduct of both the presidential and parliamentary elections. Tinubu also lauded Ghanaians for reaffirming to the world that democracy remains the most effective path toward political stability, economic development, social justice, and transparent governance across Africa. He emphasised Nigeria’s and the region’s steadfast dedication to upholding the people’s right to freely choose their leaders, a core principle that continues to be a point of pride for the region.
The Nigerian leader also commended Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana and candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), for conceding defeat prior to the official announcement by Ghana’s Electoral Commission. Tinubu noted that Bawumia’s action reinforced Ghana’s democratic ethos. Furthermore, Tinubu said that Mahama’s return to the Jubilee House, having previously served as President from 2012 to 2017, reflected the trust the Ghanaian people place in his leadership and vision to guide the country to greater heights. Mahama served as Vice President of Ghana from 2009 to 2012, member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009, and held various deputy and ministerial roles between 1998 and 2001.
“President Tinubu renews his steadfast support for deepening the fraternal bonds between Nigeria and Ghana underpinned by shared history, cultural ties, mutual support and cooperation, Pan-African goals, democracy, the rule of law and economic integration. Tinubu thanked President Nana Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership and numerous contributions to Ghana’s progress and regional peace and stability.
“The President looks forward to working with President Mahama’s incoming administration to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors and build a brighter future in the West Africa region,” Onanuga said.
Mahama has called for unity among political parties to work collaboratively toward Ghana’s transformation. He emphasised that the country’s economic challenges and other pressing issues cannot be effectively addressed if political parties remain divided. At the congregants at the Sanctuary of Wind and Fire Assemblies of God Church in Tamale on December 31, 2024, during the all-night service, Mahama urged all political parties that participated in the 2024 general elections to set aside differences and unite for the nation’s progress. He pointed out that national unity and collective action are essential to overcome Ghana’s current economic difficulties.
Mahama also urged his future appointees to stay grounded as they prepare to take on leadership roles and manage the affairs of the state. He stressed the importance of spiritual renewal and faith as the country entered the new year. With the election now behind them, Mahama said it is time for the real work to begin. Mahama urged supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to intensify their prayers as the party gears up to lead the country. He noted that the party would need even greater spiritual support when its tenure begins than during the election campaign period. He said spiritual guidance and support were necessary to equip the party with the strength and wisdom to implement policies improving Ghanaians’ quality of life.
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Mahama accused the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of leaving behind a colossal debt burden spread across all the various sectors of the economy. He noted that the debt was particularly significant in the education and energy sectors and must be addressed immediately. Mahama insinuated that the heavy debt burden was a deliberate entrapment fashioned by the outgoing government that caused his failure in office. However, he noted that he could successfully overcome those challenges with divine assistance. “The Almighty God who granted us electoral victory will see us through the difficulties ahead until we achieve success,” he said.
The President-elect also told the United Nations that restoring Ghana’s economy will be challenging. He noted that addressing the current economic situation would be difficult, considering the country’s debt levels and suspension from the international capital markets. Mahama says NDC needs serious spiritual backing to overcome Ghana’s debt crisis: “It’s a trap.” Despite the challenges, he noted that the overwhelming support he got in the December 7 election demonstrated the high expectations Ghanaians have of him and his administration.
Eighth Parliament dissolved ahead of inauguration of the Ninth Parliament
The Eighth Parliament of Ghana’s Fourth Republic was officially dissolved yesterday, paving the way for the inauguration of the Ninth Parliament. At midnight, newly-elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will take their oaths of office, marking the beginning of a new legislative term. The ceremony will also include the election of the Speaker of Parliament, either re-electing the current speaker or electing a new one.
Yesterday marked the conclusion of the Eighth Parliament, which began under tumultuous circumstances on January 7, 2021. As the term ended, MPs were expected to wrap up any remaining parliamentary business and bid farewell to the chamber. The Eighth Parliament will be remembered in Ghanaian history as one of the most closely contested, with both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing an equal number of seats—137 each. The NPP’s slim majority made the election of a Speaker particularly contentious. While the NPP sought to re-elect Reverend Mike Ocquaye, the NDC nominated Alban Bagbin.
The election process was marred by chaos when the Member of Parliament for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkorah, snatched a bundle of ballots during the election of the Speaker and attempted to flee the chamber. The disturbance escalated when military personnel entered to restore order, only to be chased out by irate NDC MPs, who later condemned the incident as an attempted coup. Despite the chaos, Alban Bagbin, nominated by the opposition NDC, was eventually elected as Speaker of Parliament, marking the first time in Ghana’s history that an opposition member held the role. This turbulent start to the Eighth Parliament set the tone for what would be a highly charged legislative term.
President-elect Mahama, Vice President-elect Opoku-Agyemang tour Jubilee House ahead of inauguration
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo welcomed President-elect John Dramani Mahama and Vice President-elect Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to Jubilee House, the seat of the Presidency, ahead of their swearing-in on January 7 (today). During the visit, President Akufo-Addo guided the pair on a tour of the presidential residence and offices, familiarising them with the facilities and operations they will rely on during their tenure. The tour was part of preparations for the inauguration ceremony, which will take place at Black Star Square. President Akufo-Addo’s term concludes at the end of yesterday. Accompanying the two leaders were Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei Opare, former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and Mahama’s Special Aide, Bawa Mogtari.
Road closures in Accra for Mahama’s inauguration
In preparation for the presidential inauguration of John Dramani Mahama today, several major roads in Accra will be closed from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the Ministry of Information announced. The closures are set to accommodate dignitaries, including 21 Heads of State, three Vice Presidents, four Ministers, and 24 envoys.
Key roads affected include the Osu T/L to Parliament House route, AU Roundabout, and all access roads to Parliament from EC to Parliament House, as well as the Security area at Parliament House and the road from Osu Cemetery to Parliament. In Independence Square, closures will affect 28th February Road, Osu Cemetery Traffic Light, Castle Road, and Starlet 91 Road at the Ministries Traffic Light Intersection. Motorists will be redirected to alternative routes such as Salem Avenue via Castle Traffic Light and Oxford Street, with diversions on Liberia Road at CEPS Headquarters for traffic heading to Black Star Square. The Ministry urged drivers to follow traffic directives from security personnel during the event. The statement was signed by Lily-Fati Soale, Acting Chief Director for the Ministry.