The newly sworn-in President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has described his induction into office as a déjà vu moment, reflecting on the shared history between himself and the outgoing president, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Speaking during his inaugural address at the swearing-in ceremony on January 7, 2025, President Mahama recounted a similar moment eight years ago, at the same venue, when he handed over power to then-president-elect Nana Akufo-Addo. Now, the roles have reversed.
“Today’s exercise with the outgoing president, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, feels a bit like déjà vu. That is because eight years ago, on January 7, 2017, we shared this same space and performed this same transitional exercise. At the time, I was the outgoing president, having served one term, and he was the incoming president, having been given the mandate by the people of Ghana to lead this great nation of ours.”
He also reflected on his early political career, noting that he and Nana Akufo-Addo entered Parliament in the same year, 1996, describing their relationship as one of longstanding political friendship and mutual respect.
President Mahama begins his second term in office after being re-elected in the 2024 general elections. He previously served as president from 2012 to 2016.
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Story by: Cindy Selasi Humade | univers.ug.edu.gh
