On January 7, 2025, John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as Ghana’s president for a second non-consecutive term, marking a historic political comeback. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Black Star Square in Accra, attended by thousands of Ghanaians and dignitaries from around the world.
Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, won the December 2024 election with 56% of the vote, defeating the incumbent New Patriotic Party’s candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41%. This victory made Mahama the first Ghanaian leader to serve non-consecutive terms, reflecting the electorate’s desire for change amidst economic challenges.
In his inaugural address, President Mahama acknowledged the severe economic crisis facing the nation and pledged to “reset” the country by implementing policies aimed at economic recovery, job creation, and good governance.
aljazeera.com He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and strengthening ties with neighboring countries to foster stability and growth.
One of Mahama’s immediate actions was the appointment of key cabinet members to address pressing issues. He named Cassiel Ato Forson, a seasoned public accountant and parliamentary leader, as the new finance minister. Forson is tasked with steering the economy out of its current crisis and restoring fiscal stability. Additionally, John Abdulai Jinapor was appointed as the energy minister, and Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as the attorney general and justice minister, forming a team poised to tackle the nation’s challenges.
The economic landscape Mahama inherits is daunting. Inflation has been on the rise for four consecutive months, reaching 23.8% in December 2024, primarily driven by escalating food prices. This surge has exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis, making economic recovery a top priority for the new administration.
Beyond economic issues, the reintroduction of a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill has garnered both domestic and international attention. The proposed legislation seeks to impose stricter penalties on same-sex activities and the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights. While the bill had previously passed in parliament, it was not signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. Now, under Mahama’s administration, the bill has been reintroduced, raising concerns among activists and international organizations about potential human rights implications and the risk of jeopardizing financial assistance from global institutions like the World Bank and IMF.
Ghanaians have placed their trust in President Mahama to navigate these multifaceted challenges. His administration’s ability to implement effective economic policies, uphold human rights, and promote social cohesion will be crucial in determining Ghana’s trajectory in the coming years.