John Mahama was inaugurated as Ghana’s president for a third term on Tuesday amid the nation’s most severe economic crisis in decades. The ceremony, held at Accra’s Independence Square, drew thousands of citizens and prominent African leaders, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and Kenya’s William Ruto.
Mahama, 66, previously served as president from July 2012 to January 2017 and secured this new term after a decisive electoral victory in December. His campaign centered on tackling Ghana’s economic challenges, corruption, and unemployment, with a particular focus on appealing to young voters eager for change.
In his inaugural address, Mahama emphasized the need for economic restoration, macroeconomic stabilization, good governance, and an intensified fight against corruption. He also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration to address security concerns and foster economic resilience, stating, “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.”
The December elections, held amid a cost-of-living crisis, were seen as a test of Ghana’s democratic stability in a region grappling with extremist violence and coups. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) described the process as peaceful, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation for democratic continuity.
Ghanaian entrepreneur Andrew Takyi expressed optimism about Mahama’s vision for a “24-hour economy,” suggesting it could expand the tax base among small and medium enterprises, ultimately boosting national revenue.
