Story: Mohammed A. Abu
The people of the West African nation of Ghana during the country’s 2024 elections, demonstrated their collective commitment towards the use of their thump power in the change of political administrations bolstered by the long established transition order of peaceful transfer of political power from one administration to another.
Flashback
Following the restoration of democratic governance in Ghana by a former military ruler J.J. Rawlings in 1992 became a civilian ruler under the forth Republic Constitution and was in power for two terms from 1992-1996.
He was to lose power during the 2000 elections to former President J.A. Kufuor-led opposition, the New Patriotic Party(NPP). This marked a turning point in Ghana’s democratic governance-change of political power through the ballot box and transfer of political power from one political administration to another.
Coming against this democratic political background, Former President John Dramani Mahama and her running mate, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang following their party, the National Democratic Congress(NDC)’s victory in the 2024 elections, were yesterday sworn in as the country’s new President and her first ever female Vice President respectively.
The oath of allegiance and Presidential oaths were administered by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo at the Black Star Square in the country’s capital city of Accra.
President Mahama in his inaugural address, promised to focus on economic recovery, governance reforms, and accountability, called for a national reset to rebuild faith in Ghana’s institutions and leadership, introduction of a 24-hour economy model to create jobs and stimulate industries and strengthening of regional and international partnerships.
He underscored the importance of tackling youth unemployment and gender equality celebrating Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s historic role while also urging business leaders and entrepreneurs to join in building a business-friendly Ghana
“I feel greatly honoured that Ghanaians deemed me worthy to steer the affairs of this country at this critical stage,” Mahama said, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by the electorate.
President Mahama also recounted how far he and the outgoing President Nana Akoffu Addo have come together in their political careers that transcended into mutual respect for each other despite the fact that, they belong to two opposing political camps.
He also praised the election campaign of former Vice President Dr. Mahmudu Bawumia while also acknowledging his early conceding of defeat that helped defuse political tension that was building up in the country.
The Special Guest of Honour, President Tinubu of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wished President Mahama well in his national assignment the success of which he said was good for Nigeria, Ghana and Africa.
He also assured President Mahama of his unwavering support towards his commitment to strengthening of regional partnerships. Which he noted was good for Nigeria, Ghana and Africa as a whole.
External Patronage
Africa
The inauguration enjoyed patronage across the continent from the Western, Central, Eastern, Southern and Northern sub-regions. In attendance were over twenty-one sitting Presidents and former Presidents and Prime Ministers, representing their respective countries were at the ceremony.
Also in attendance were the President of Africa’s premier bank, the African Development Bank(AfDB) and President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.
International
Also in attendance were the Mayor of Los Angeles, US, Prime Minister of Haiti, former German Vice President, and high profile representatives from China, Japan, Arab Gulf region, Russia, and Israel were in attendance. Also in attendance were also Envoys from the AU, EU and UN.
What to Expect?
President John Dramani Mahama has outlined focus areas of his new administration in the first 10 days.
In expectation are executive orders to address inflation, currency stabilization, and debt management, along with steps to review tax policies to ease the burden on businesses as economic stabilization measure, announcement of first wave of government appointments, including the Finance Minister, Attorney General, and other critical positions, focus on anti-corruption measures, empowering institutions to ensure transparency and recovery of public funds under an accountability drive, Presidential meeting with business leaders to reaffirm that Ghana is open for business and outline plans for a 24-hour economy,and the launching of job creation initiatives, with a focus on youth employment and entrepreneurship
Cover Photo: Credit,Ghana Broadcasting Corporation(GBC)
