ACCRA, Ghana — John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as Ghana’s president on Tuesday for a second term, vowing to address economic hardships and create jobs amid widespread public discontent.
The 66-year-old opposition leader won the December 7 presidential election by a wide margin, marking a political comeback in the West African nation, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer. Mahama succeeds Nana Akufo-Addo, who steps down after serving two terms, maintaining Ghana’s democratic tradition in a region troubled by coups and instability.
The ceremony at Accra’s Independence Square drew over 20 presidents and world leaders, underscoring Ghana’s reputation for political stability.
“We are a people battered by economic crises and hardships. But there’s hope on the horizon,” Mahama told thousands of jubilant supporters in his inaugural speech.
Economic Challenges Await
Mahama assumes office amid the fallout from a cost-of-living crisis, a sovereign debt default, and an ongoing International Monetary Fund bailout. While the economy has shown signs of recovery, high inflation and youth unemployment continue to fuel public frustration.
“The average Ghanaian is growing impatient with our democracy,” said Godfred Bokpin, a finance professor at the University of Ghana. “People are asking what democracy has delivered for them.”
Plans for Economic Reform
Mahama outlined a new economic strategy focusing on agriculture and agribusiness to create jobs, boost local industry, and attract foreign investment. Analysts say his party’s two-thirds majority in parliament provides a strong mandate to implement significant reforms.
However, he faces immediate obstacles, including a looming energy crisis with arrears to service providers exceeding $2.5 billion. The growing financial strain could disrupt power supply and hinder economic recovery.
“The outgoing government kept the system running by bandaging open sores,” said Bright Simons of the IMANI think tank. “They left the festering wounds for him.”
Inflation and Food Prices
Inflation rose for a third consecutive month in November, reaching 23%, with food prices particularly affected. This has heightened the urgency to address food production and rising living costs.
“We can talk about skyscrapers, but the reality is that the average Ghanaian is hungry,” Bokpin said. “Food production must be prioritized.”
