On a historic day filled with both celebration and reflection, John Dramani Mahama was officially sworn in as the President of the Republic of Ghana. The swearing-in ceremony, held in the capital city of Accra, marked the beginning of what Mahama described as a new chapter in Ghana’s history—a reset toward better governance, economic restoration, and national unity.
With his right hand on the Constitution and his heart filled with hope, President Mahama solemnly took the presidential oath. “In the name of the Almighty God, I swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Ghana, uphold its sovereignty, protect its integrity, and defend the Constitution of the Republic,” he recited, pledging unwavering service to the people of Ghana.
As Mahama assumed office, he reflected on the significance of his mandate, which he said was a clear call from the Ghanaian people for better leadership. He expressed gratitude to his compatriots, who braved long queues to vote in what he termed “historic elections” that resulted in a decisive victory for him and his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“Today should mark the beginning of a new opportunity—an opportunity for us to make a difference in our governance and economic management,” Mahama said. “We shall reset our dear nation, Ghana, with faith, determination, and hard work.”
A Vision for Ghana’s Future
In his inaugural speech, President Mahama outlined his administration’s priorities, focusing on four critical areas:
- Economic Restoration – Stabilizing the macroeconomic environment to create a foundation for sustainable growth.
- Business and Investment – Improving the business climate to make Ghana an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
- Governance and Reforms – Strengthening democratic institutions through constitutional reforms.
- Accountability and Anti-Corruption – Combating corruption by promoting transparency and accountability in public office.
“My administration will work diligently to alleviate the burdens on Ghanaians, ensuring that economic policies prioritize the well-being of our people,” Mahama promised.
Unity and Inclusivity
Flanked by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s first female vice president, Mahama emphasized the importance of inclusivity in his governance approach. “This day is particularly special, not just for me, but for every Ghanaian who dreams of a society where barriers are shattered, and ambitions are realized,” he said, highlighting his commitment to empowering women and youth.
“We stand united in our vision for a more prosperous Ghana. Governance that reflects all segments of our population strengthens democracy and enriches our collective progress.”
Preparedness for Global Challenges
In a poignant moment of his speech, President Mahama turned to global issues, particularly the looming threat of future pandemics due to climate change and increased global connectivity. He stressed the need for Ghana to be prepared for emerging health crises by investing in public health systems and monitoring international health trends.
“Let us not forget the toll that past epidemics like Ebola and COVID-19 have taken on families, communities, and our health infrastructure. We must strengthen our systems so that when—not if—the next pandemic comes, the loss of lives in Ghana will be minimal,” Mahama warned.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
President Mahama concluded his address with a call for national unity and collective responsibility. “Ghana is all of us—you are Ghana, and I am Ghana. Together, we must reset our attitudes, our behaviors, and our mindsets to build the Ghana we dream of,” he urged.
In a tone of humility, he promised to exercise sound judgment, accept responsibility for challenges, and take swift, decisive action when needed. “This reset requires faith—not just in our leadership, but in the potential of Ghana itself,” he declared.
As the ceremony ended, the atmosphere was filled with hope and anticipation. With renewed vigor and a clear mandate, Mahama and his vice president stood poised to embark on a journey toward a brighter and more inclusive future for Ghana.
Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh