Mahama sworn in for second term in Ghana

Ghana's former president John Dramani Mahama has been sworn in for a second term following his decisive victory in the December 7 election, marking a significant political comeback in the West African nation. The 66-year-old leader secured 56 percent of the vote against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia's 41 percent.

The inauguration ceremony, held at Accra's historic Black Star Square, drew approximately 20 heads of state and government leaders from across Africa, including presidents from Nigeria, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. The event also marked a historic moment as Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was sworn in as Ghana's first female vice president.

Mahama's return to power ends the eight-year rule of the New Patriotic Party under Nana Akufo-Addo, whose final term was characterized by significant economic challenges, including an IMF bailout and debt default. The new president, who previously led Ghana from 2012 to early 2017, successfully campaigned on a platform of change and economic revival.

During his inauguration speech, Mahama emphasized the need for national reset, drawing enthusiastic support from crowds adorned in his National Democratic Congress party colors of green, red, black, and white. The ceremony maintained Ghana's democratic tradition in a region often troubled by military coups and instability.

Mahama, a writer and former parliamentarian, brings significant political experience to his new term. His background includes serving as chairman of the West Africa Caucus at the Pan-African Parliament and various governmental roles. His leadership of Ghana, Africa's leading gold exporter and the world's second-largest cocoa producer, comes at a crucial time for the nation of 33 million people.