By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Jan. 8, GNA – Red, gold and green national colours dominated the Black Square as local and international dignitaries positioned themselves early for the Presidential Inauguration on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
The demarcated “inner-perimetre” at the Square was the centre of activities lines up for the day. It was a grand celebration, allowing guests to appear in their best outfits, including the traditional Kente, which exhibited distinctive styles.
Other glittering colours notwithstanding, it was President John Mahama’s all-white attire with its accessorised Kente fabric, featuring four distinct Adinkra symbols, which stole the show.
The radiant Kente symbolises, in Twi, “3mmr3 Pa Da W’anim” (Better Days Await You). The popular “Gye Nyame” Adinkra symbol, represents the omnipotence of God.
“Nyame Dua” (Tree of God), “Dwennimmen” (Humility and Strength) and “Sankofa” – Return and learning from the past, are the other statements made with the outfit.
Having attained the greatest political comeback in the country’s political history, the President and his designer were definitely meticulous in selecting these elements to project the destiny son of the North’s personality and values.
Amidst tight security, 19 Heads of State and other Heads of delegation featured prominently at the well-coordinated event, from start to finish.
With high-ranking officials ready by 1000 hours, Speaker Alban Bagbin would waste no time as he called the gathering to order and moved quickly to witness the swearing-in of the nation’s first female Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Beaming in her bespoke burgundy top, Kente slit, and modest accessories, the former University of Cape Coast don took her oath of office and exchanged warm pleasantries with the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Torkornoo.
Many have described the significant moment of both female Vice President and Chief Justice as an inspiration for young girls.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang assumes her new role with a depth of leadership experience and remains a model for women aspiring to break the moulds of gender roles.
She was the Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa from 2018 to 2024 after earlier becoming the first female to hold the position of Vice Chancellor in Ghana – the University of Cape Coast (UCC) from 2008 to 2012.
In addition to other feats, Prof Naana Jane was the immediate past President of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and Chairperson of the Africa Board. She also served as Minister for Education from 2013 to 2017.
Mr John Mahama had his turn taking the Presidential Oath with the symbolic State Sword as the crowd shouted his appellations.
The Ghana Flag waved happily in all directions. Party supporters, sympathisers, and citizens from far and near, did not hide their excitement as traditional drums, vuvuzelas and trumpets blended harmoniously.
Following his historic victory, President Mahama demonstrated readiness to deliver on the ‘Reset’ agenda and the 24-hour economy, which was the core of his 2024 campaign.
In his inaugural address, he paid glowing tribute to his main contender in the December 7 election, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and predecessor, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who he described as “a worthy opponent.”
Among other commitments and calls to action, President Mahama affirmed his resolve to make the most out of his four-year tenure, emphasising that: “Great leadership is not defined by the offices we occupy but the legacies we leave behind.”
The President’s priorities include creating opportunities for the youth, building a robust economy and embarking on “a national journey of progress and inclusivity.”
As the Sixth President of the Fourth Republic, Mr Mahama, has served at all the levels in the political spaces, and thus returns to the Presidency with vast experience.
He was a Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency, Deputy Minister for Communications, Minister for Communications, Vice President of the Republic, President, 2012 to 2016 and Former President.
President Mahama’s “second coming” is loaded as citizens expect him to do better than he achieved in his last tenure. Recognising the enormous task ahead, the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) did not shy away from asking citizens to put their shoulder to the wheel of leadership.
“I ask that you enter into a covenant with me…I ask that you envision the Ghana you want to live in and the Ghana you want to leave behind to your children and grandchildren.
“What can you do to help build that better Ghana? What behaviours, attitudes, and mindsets can you reset?
“We need a reset, and we have faith in Ghana’s ability to overcome, excel, and be so successful with this reset that it would be difficult to imagine a time when that was not the norm,” he declared at the crowded Square.
Members of the clergy, the diplomatic corps, trade associations, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, local and international press, listened closely as Mr Mahama called on citizens to support his vision for the nation.
Special Guest of Honour, Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commended, the modesty, nationalism, unity, and camaraderie, surrounding the memorable inauguration.
For Mr Tinubu, Ghana remains a “shining star” and a source of pride and honour for the African continent, having sustained democracy for the past 32 years.
He pledged support for President Mahama and urged African leaders to help solve challenges confronting the nation.
Other prominent individuals at the gathering expressed solidarity in diverse ways when they took turns to congratulate Mr Mahama on the dais.
Undoubtedly, many Ghanaians are looking forward to a new era of progress and positivity under the leadership of the experienced and blessed President Mahama as executes another destiny fulfilling assignment to lead the people God located closest to the centre of the earth, with abundant natural resources.
GNA