Presidents, regional leaders, representatives of the international community – including the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, and thousands of Ghanaians watched as John Dramani Mahama took the oath of office as Ghana’s new president.
The President delivered his inaugural address, saying:
“As elected President, today we are also making a different kind of history, one that speaks to our maturity as a democracy. A nation of citizens with the authority to determine their political future. Today’s exercise between the outgoing President, Nana Addo, and I feel a bit like déjà vu, as it’s similar to the transitional exercise we performed eight years ago on January 7, 2017.”
“At the time, I was the outgoing President, having served one term, and he was the incoming President, having been given a mandate by the people of Ghana to lead this great nation. He and I both understood then, as I’m sure we do today, that it’s the people of Ghana we were elected to serve.”
The inauguration ceremony in Ghana’s Black Star Square followed the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party in the December 7, 2024, elections, which the Commonwealth Observer Group commended for its orderly conduct. Just before President Mahama took his oath of allegiance, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman was sworn in as the country’s first female Vice President.
Support for Ghana’s democratic journey and the reinforcement of the bonds of cooperation and solidarity came from Commonwealth leaders worldwide, including the Presidents of Kenya, Gambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Togo, who all attended the inauguration.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General commented on the momentous occasion:
“It is a real honour to be here with thousands of Ghanaians, Commonwealth family, and our international partners to witness this day. Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles and its ability to implement them effectively make it a cherished member of the Commonwealth. The impact of Ghana’s smooth transitions extends beyond its borders, as the country has become a beacon for democracy in the region and beyond.”
The Commonwealth Secretary-General noted the prominence of Ghanaians in Africa’s leadership journey, especially in Commonwealth institutions, citing the selection of the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey to succeed her as the second successive female Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
She also noted the recent election of another Ghanaian, Joshua Opey, as the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC). The CYC serves as the official representative voice for over 1.5 billion young people in the Commonwealth.
While in Ghana, Secretary-General Scotland held bilateral talks with several Commonwealth leaders and Accra-based Commonwealth High Commissioners to discuss areas of mutual interest and further support for Ghana.
