John Mahama Takes Office for a Third Term as Ghana Battles Economic Crisis

John Mahama was sworn in as the president of Ghana for a third term at a grand ceremony in the capital, Accra, on Tuesday, January 7th. The 66-year-old leader, who previously served from 2012 to 2017, takes office amid the country’s most significant economic crisis in decades.

Mahama won the December 2024 presidential election with 56% of the vote, defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who received 41%. His victory signals a change in leadership, as he replaces outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, who completed two terms in office.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Mahama promised to “reset” the country and tackle the economic challenges ahead. He stressed the need for stability and stronger cooperation with neighboring countries. “There is a seismic shift happening within the system of global economic dominance,” Mahama said, emphasizing the importance of building better ties with neighboring nations to ensure regional security and economic growth.

The ceremony took place at Accra’s Black Star Square, attended by prominent African leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Kenya’s William Ruto, and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. Thousands of supporters filled the square, their faces glowing with hope as they waved Ghanaian flags and celebrated with chants.

During his campaign and inaugural address, Mahama focused on tackling Ghana’s mounting economic problems, which include soaring inflation, rising debt, and a struggling currency. He has vowed to restore the country’s financial stability and improve governance, particularly addressing corruption and unemployment.

“Now more than ever before, we need to strengthen our ties with our neighbors to ensure that we are working together to keep our sub-region safe,” he said in his speech.

The newly elected president’s message resonated deeply with many Ghanaians, especially the youth, who view his leadership as a potential pathway out of the economic difficulties they face. “This is the dawn of a new era,” said Akosua Nyarko, a 28-year-old teacher from Cape Coast, expressing optimism for the future.

Mahama’s administration also promises greater transparency and accountability in key sectors such as the extractive industry. Innocent Appiah, a senior media officer, expressed his expectation that Mahama would prioritize “local content development and community engagement,” which he believes will increase revenue and benefit Ghanaians.

With the country’s economic recovery at the forefront, Mahama faces the dual challenge of stabilizing the economy while meeting the aspirations of a population that has endured years of hardship. His success in navigating these hurdles will be crucial for Ghana’s future stability and development.