The wait is nearly over as John Mahama takes over as president of Ghana on January 7th, 2025. The emphatic endorsement shown through the massive votes pulled by the former president is a testament to the confidence Ghanaians have in him and the NDC to reset Ghana.
On January 7, 2025, John Dramani Mahama will be inaugurated as the President of Ghana, marking his return to the nation’s highest office. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, a venue synonymous with Ghana’s rich history and independence.
The inauguration is expected to be a significant event, with ten heads of state and numerous dignitaries from around the world in attendance, underscoring Ghana’s esteemed position in the international community.
In the lead-up to the inauguration, outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to provide President-elect Mahama with a tour of the Jubilee House, the presidential palace, symbolizing a seamless transition of power and the strength of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
The inauguration ceremony will be accompanied by heightened security measures and detailed logistical arrangements to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. Residents and visitors in Accra can expect specific traffic management protocols to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event.
As President Mahama prepares to assume office, he has outlined plans to implement significant reforms in key sectors, including the cocoa industry, aiming to enhance efficiency and stimulate economic growth.
Ghana stands on the cusp of a new chapter, with the inauguration of President Mahama symbolizing a commitment to progress, unity, and the continued strengthening of democratic governance.
The swearing-in process in Ghana from the Members of Parliament (MPs) elected to the President
The swearing-in process in Ghana from the Members of Parliament (MPs) elected to the President, between the 6th and 7th of January, typically involves the following steps:
1. Swearing-in of Members of Parliament (6th January)
- Constitution of the New Parliament: The newly elected MPs assemble in the Parliament House.
- Dissolution of the Outgoing Parliament: The outgoing Parliament is formally dissolved at midnight on the 6th of January.
- Election of the Speaker of Parliament: The first act of the new Parliament is to elect a Speaker from among the MPs or from outside the House.
- Swearing-in of the Speaker: The Chief Justice or a designated judge administers the oath of office to the newly elected Speaker.
- Swearing-in of Members of Parliament: Each MP is sworn in by taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament, administered by the Speaker.
2. Swearing-in of the President (7th January)
- Assembly at the Venue: Dignitaries, including foreign heads of state, government officials, and citizens, gather at the designated venue, often the Black Star Square in Accra.
- Arrival of the Outgoing President: The outgoing President arrives and is received with full honors.
- Arrival of the President-elect: The President-elect arrives, accompanied by the Vice President-elect.
- Invocation and National Anthem: The ceremony begins with a prayer and the playing of the national anthem.
- Swearing-in of the President-elect:
- Oath of Office: Administered by the Chief Justice, the President-elect takes the Presidential Oath and the Oath of Allegiance.
- Presentation of Symbols of Office: The President is presented with the presidential regalia, including the State Sword and the Presidential Seat.
- Address by the New President: The new President delivers an inaugural speech outlining the vision and goals for the term.
- Swearing-in of the Vice President: The Vice President-elect takes the Oath of Office and the Oath of Allegiance, administered by the Chief Justice.
3. Official Ceremonial Activities
- Inspection of the Guard of Honor: The new President inspects the Guard of Honor.
- Cultural Performances and Military Parade: The ceremony includes cultural displays and a military parade in honor of the new President.
- Reception: A formal reception is often held to celebrate the inauguration.
This structured process marks the peaceful transition of power and the commencement of the new government’s mandate in Ghana.