By : Lloyd Mahachi
Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, is set to be sworn in as the country’s leader tomorrow, January 7, 2025, at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra. This historic event will mark Mahama’s return to leadership as he takes the helm of Ghana’s government once again.
The Black Star Square has been carefully prepared to ensure a fitting venue for the occasion. According to Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson for the John Dramani Mahama Transition Team, “preparations of the grounds for the ceremony are ongoing.” He added that they expect a “beautifully curated venue” for the event.
The inauguration ceremony will also double as a parliamentary session, requiring Parliament to temporarily relocate its sitting to the Square. This will involve a special arrangement to accommodate the Members of Parliament and other dignitaries. The event will be a unique blend of politics and pageantry, showcasing Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
A total of 10 heads of state have confirmed their participation in the inauguration ceremony. These include Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kenyan President William Ruto. In addition to the heads of state, two vice presidents, one speaker of parliament, two former presidents, and several heads of international organisations will also be in attendance.
Delegations from the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom have also issued public statements to confirm their attendance. This underscores the significance of the event and Ghana’s importance on the global stage. The presence of these dignitaries will add to the pomp and circumstance of the occasion.
To ensure a smooth and secure event, certain roads in Accra will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic. These include 28th February Road, Castle Road, and 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.
The diversion of traffic is aimed at minimizing congestion and ensuring that guests arrive at the venue safely and on time. The authorities have also designated specific parking areas for guests, including the back of the Independence Arch, the forecourt of the State House, and the Access Bank Car Park.
No vehicle will be allowed to park at unauthorised places or drive through any of the road blocks. This is part of the security measures put in place to prevent any disruptions or incidents during the inauguration ceremony. The authorities are taking no chances, and the security arrangements are being carefully coordinated to ensure a hitch-free event.
The inauguration 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.
The ceremony will commence with guests being seated by 8:30 am, followed by the arrival of Members of Parliament and other invited guests. The Speaker of Parliament will arrive and escort the President-elect and Vice President-elect to the Chamber for the commencement of proceedings at 11 am.
The swearing-in ceremony will be a solemn and dignified affair, marking the formal transfer of power from one administration to another. It will be a moment of great significance, not just for Ghana, but for the entire West African region.
No private drones will be allowed at the Black Star Square and its environs during the inauguration, as part of heightened security protocols aimed at ensuring the safety of dignitaries, invited guests, and the general public. This is a precautionary measure to prevent any potential disruptions or incidents.
As Ghana prepares for this historic moment, the nation is filled with excitement and anticipation. The inauguration ceremony will be a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana’s history. It will be a time for reflection, celebration, and renewal, as the nation looks to the future with hope and optimism.
The President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to work tirelessly to address the challenges facing the nation and to improve the lives of all Ghanaians. His inauguration marks a new beginning, and the nation is eager to see the positive changes that his administration will bring.
In the coming days and weeks, the new administration will face many challenges, from reviving the economy to improving healthcare and education. However, with the support of the Ghanaian people, the President-elect is confident that he can make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy.
As the nation prepares for the inauguration ceremony, there is a sense of pride and patriotism in the air. Ghanaians are coming together to celebrate this historic moment, and the atmosphere is electric. The inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama will be a day to remember, a day that will go down in history as a moment of great significance for Ghana and its people.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi