Newly sworn-in President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that their courage to vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and bring change will not go in vain.
The NDC’s return to power, he said, marks the beginning of a new opportunity for Ghanaians to reshape governance and economic management.
Speaking during his inaugural address at Independence Square on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, after being sworn in for a second term, President Mahama acknowledged the nation’s challenges but struck an optimistic tone.
He urged Ghanaians to look to the future with hope, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to providing the leadership needed to address the country’s pressing issues.
“Ghana was birthed with much promise, and though that potential seems hazy and in doubt presently because of all that has happened in the past, together, we will reset it,” the President declared.
He encouraged Ghanaians to reject perpetual pessimism, pledging decisive leadership with a steadfast determination to deliver tangible results.
President Mahama expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received during the December 7 elections, describing the mandate as a powerful signal from the electorate.
“The magnitude of this victory in the presidential elections and the gains made by my party, the NDC, in the parliamentary elections naturally and justifiably resulted in great joy and celebration across our country. But celebrations must be supplanted by discernment, sobriety, and deeper insights into why we received this mandate in the first place,” he said.
The President acknowledged that while Ghanaians take pride in their democracy, many feel excluded from its benefits.
“Many within our population do not feel they have benefited from this democratic dividend,” he observed.
He pledged immediate and decisive action to address the country’s economic hardships and focus on four critical areas: Economic restoration and stabilization of the macroeconomic environment; Improvement of the business and investment climate to ensure Ghana is open for business; governance and constitutional reforms and accountability and a robust fight against corruption.
President Mahama revealed that his administration has outlined 26 actions to be undertaken within the first 120 days, describing these commitments as a covenant with the people of Ghana.
“There is reason for hope, and there is every reason for hope,” he stated. “But we must also have faith because faith empowers us to trust the things that will happen.”
He called for a collective reset, emphasizing the need for renewed faith in Ghana’s leadership, institutions, and people.
“We need a reset with the faith we have in our dear nation Ghana, and by that, I mean in all of us because we are Ghanaians. You are Ghana, and I am Ghana. All of you seated here today, Ghanaian citizens, you are Ghana.”
