Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, is set to be sworn in as the country’s leader on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra.
Preparations are in high gear to host a ceremony that will attract national and international attention.
Distinguished guests confirm attendance
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson for the John Dramani Mahama Transition Team, announced that “so far, 10 heads of state have confirmed their participation” in the inauguration.
In addition, the event will host two vice presidents, one speaker of parliament, two former presidents, and several heads of international organisations, including representatives from the Commonwealth and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as delegations from the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom have issued public statements about their attendance.
Venue and preparations
The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Black Star Square, which is being carefully prepared to ensure a fitting venue for the occasion.
“Preparations of the grounds for the ceremony are ongoing,” Mr Ofosu stated, adding that they expect a “beautifully curated venue” for the event.
The ceremony will also double as a parliamentary session, requiring Parliament to temporarily relocate its sitting to the Square. Mr Ofosu explained, “The enclave for the Parliamentary sitting would be totally cordoned, where access to the condoned area would be strictly by invitation.”
He added: “Members of the public and all invited guests are reminded that they cannot and will not be allowed to enter the swearing-in area without presenting their invitation cards.”
No private drones allowed
No private drones will be allowed at the Black Star Square and its environs during the inauguration.
In a statement dated January 2, 2024, and signed by Lily Fati Soale, the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of National Security, it was explained that the directive applies to all drones, including those used for recreational and commercial purposes.
The measure, according to the ministry is part of heightened security protocols aimed at ensuring the safety of dignitaries, invited guests, and the general public at the high-profile event.
Schedule of events
Guests are expected to be seated by 8:30am, after which Members of Parliament and other invited guests will take their places.
The Speaker of Parliament will arrive and escort the President-elect and Vice-President-elect to the Chamber for the commencement of proceedings at 11am.
Traffic and parking arrangements
To facilitate the ceremony, certain roads in Accra will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic. These include:
– 28th February Road: From CEPS Headquarters to Castle Road Junction.
– Castle Road: From AU Circle to Osu Cemetery Traffic Light.
– Starlet 91 Road: Around the Black Star Square.
Traffic from La, Labone, and Osu heading towards the Central Business District will be diverted via Salem Avenue Traffic Light to Oxford Street. Similarly, traffic from John Evans Atta Mills High Street towards Black Star Square will be redirected.
Designated parking areas:
– Back of the Independence Arch.
– Forecourt of the State House.
– Access Bank Car Park.
– Osu Cemetery Car Park.
– Ministries Areas, including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Car Park.
– Marine Drive Football Park.
– Efua Sutherland Car Park.
“No vehicle would be allowed to park at unauthorised places or allowed to drive through any of the roadblocks,” Mr Ofosu warned.
Historic moment
President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration will mark his return to leadership as he takes the helm of Ghana’s government once again. The ceremony is expected to be a celebration of Ghana’s democratic legacy and a showcase of its standing on the global stage.
Ghanaians are encouraged to join in the celebration, either in person or via broadcast, as the nation ushers in a new era under the leadership of President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
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