A GNA Feature by James Amoh Junior
Accra, Jan. 07, GNA – John Dramani Mahama is president again and one of the memories pinned to his second coming is his outfit; a powerful fusion of tradition and modernity.
The sea of anxious Ghanaians at the Black Star Square erupted into cheers and tears of joy as he raised the ceremonial staff high after taking the presidential oath, symbolizing the authority bestowed upon him by the Ghanaian people.
Yet, it was not only his words that captivated the nation — it was his striking inaugural outfit, a white “Agbada” (Kaftan) adorned with vibrant Kente and a matching hat, steeped in cultural symbolism and national pride.
The President’s ensemble was not merely an attire; it was a declaration.
The Bespoke Agbada
Carefully woven with intricate designs and rich colours, his outfit communicated a narrative of hope, unity, and resilience. The President cut a commanding figure.
The pristine white three-piece garment, a symbol of purity and unity, cascaded down his shoulders in bold, geometric patterns of gold, green, red, and blue.
The Kente’s shimmering texture and vivid hues also symbolized joy, hope, and prosperity. Each fold and thread of the Kente tells a story, deeply rooted in Ghanaian heritage.
The matching cap, meticulously designed in the same resplendent Kente pattern, crowned the outfit with sophistication and cultural authenticity.
Indeed, the outfit exuded regal magnificence and cultural pride, showcasing a seamless fusion of traditional Ghanaian artistry and modern elegance.
One of the Kente patterns carries profound meaning and aptly named “Ɛmmere Pa Da W’anim” (Better Days Await You), resonating with the collective aspirations of Ghanaians. The phrase, both a prayer and a promise, embodies the optimism of a nation on the cusp of renewal.
The white Kaftan beneath the Kente radiated with simplicity and purity — a canvas upon which the colours of Ghana’s rich heritage were boldly displayed.
White, traditionally associated with peace and spiritual renewal, underscored Mahama’s pledge to govern inclusively and fairly, bringing all Ghanaians under one banner of unity.
On the right of patterned symbols was a “Gye Nyame” emblem — a symbol of the omnipotence of God. It was a poignant reminder of Mahama’s reliance on divine providence as he embarked on a leadership journey fraught with challenges.
“With God, all things are possible,” he stated as his outfit seemed to proclaim.
Another symbol, “Nyame Dua” symbol (Tree of God) offered another layer of spiritual depth, representing divine protection and presence, mirroring the hopes of a nation seeking shelter under the canopy of a new leadership.
Meanwhile, “Sankofa” (return and take it) as prominently displayed, also, calls on the nation to reflect on the lessons of the past as it forges ahead — a message that Mahama emphasized in his speech: “Today should mark the beginning of a new opportunity: We shall reset our dear nation Ghana.”
Perhaps the most striking of all was the “Dwennimmen” motif, representing humility and strength. It symbolized the delicate balance required of leadership — unwavering strength tempered by empathy and humility.
For a leader returning to power, this symbol was a nod to the lessons of experience and a pledge to lead with the wisdom gained through reflection.
Crowning the ensemble was a Kente hat, blending seamlessly with the vibrant hues of the cloth. The hat, a symbol of authority and tradition, reinforces Mahama’s roots in Ghanaian culture while signaling his readiness to lead a modern and progressive nation.
Visual manifesto of culture
As he stood at the podium, the golden ceremonial staff glinting in the sunlight, Mahama’s outfit spoke louder than words. It was a visual manifesto, weaving together the threads of Ghana’s rich history, cultural identity, and collective aspirations.
His attire honoured the past while boldly facing the future, much like the President himself.
In his inaugural address, he articulated the hopes reflected in his attire: “I feel greatly honoured that you, my compatriots, considered me worthy of receiving such an unprecedented and overwhelming mandate to steer the affairs of our beloved nation at this critical time in our history. Today, we mark the beginning of a new opportunity.”
The crowd roared with approval, their cheers blending with the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and expectant hearts.
The atmosphere was electric, charged with the energy of renewal.
Those who had gathered en masse, waved miniature Ghanaian flags and NDC Party flags, elders nodding approvingly, and the youth, brimming with hope, and chanting in unison.
President Mahama’s choice of attire was more than a statement of style; it was a call to action, a rallying cry for inclusivity, progress, and the enduring strength of the Ghanaian spirit.
Cultural symbolism sparks nationwhide conversations
The intricate design, later revealed to be the focal point of his inauguration attire, became a standout feature that captured the attention and admiration of many, sparking endless conversation among attendees and viewers alike.
Paulina Tangoba Abayage, former Ghana Ambassador to Italy, joined the widespread admiration for the outfit.
In a Facebook post, she remarked, “The designer did a great job,” summing up the sentiments of many who were impressed by the artistry and symbolism of the President’s attire.
“One thing you can’t take from President John Dramani Mahama is that anything he wears suits him. However, I wish he picked a different outfit. The whole kente on white Jalabia off me,” Zainab Issah, expressed a contrary opinion in a Facebook post.
In the words of a bystander, Vincent Tsegah: “Our President is not just a man of words; he is a man of meaning. His outfit says it all — Ghana is ready for better days.”
“The design was brilliant. It portrayed Mahama, Ghana and Africa at their very best! A supreme achievement,” Harry Olunfunwa, a Nigerian commented on X.
Another comment by Max Adjei on X read, “His outfit was very nice. It’s been one of the best swearing-in outfits so far.”
“A true Ghanaian outfit. This was beautiful,” NK Kwaning, stated on X, capturing the admiration many felt about the symbolic blend of tradition and modernity in the design.
The making of the Iconic outfit
Prior to the inauguration, however, President Mahama had paid a visit to Bondaana Fashion, the Ghanaian fashion brand behind his striking Agbada ensemble, accompanied by his son Saheed Mahama.
Their conversation revealed the careful thought and collaboration that went into crafting the symbolic attire as Bondaana presented different design concepts, explaining, “Because I don’t want it to be too loud, but if you want, I can go and work on that.”
Saheed who joined in the deliberation on the intricate details, remarked, “Dad, i think this is actually nicer because it gives them a glimpse of the pattern,” appreciating the subtlety of the design.
He added, “I’m trying to match it with the hat. Stretching it out a little bit more. I see that too.”
They discussed proportions and contrasts, with President Mahama indicating that,“There is going to be a wide arena, so I want it to come out a bit more. Because there’ll be white between this and that, you’ll have the sleeve and then at the end of it, you’ll see this again.”
Eventually, the CEO of Bondaana Fashion, Mathew Agambire, who recently won FORTY UNDER 40 GHANA Award for the Best customised luxury clothing in 2024, unveiled a design concept incorporating Adinkra symbols, which immediately captivated President Mahama.
Tinubu’s Reflections
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, reflecting on the inauguration, declared, “I see today a Black Star rising high in the African sky, and its rays spread across the Continent.”
Known for his own distinctive style and affinity for traditional Agbada, Tinubu celebrated Ghana’s leadership on the African stage as a harbinger of unity, resilience, and shared prosperity among African nations.
Himself, spotted in his accustomed creame bespoke Agbada and stylish pink hat, President Tinubu praised Ghana’s enduring legacy as a beacon of hope and inspiration, embodying the values of freedom, progress, and solidarity that continues to energize the continent.
What does it mean for Ghana’s creative industry
Altogether, President Mahama’s outfit, radiated power, grace, and an unspoken promise of a bright new chapter for the nation. It was a vivid canvas of heritage, resilience, and forward-looking vision. But what does it mean for Ghana’s Creative Industry
More than a sartorial choice, the outfit was a powerful nod to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Ghana’s creative industry.
By choosing to collaborate with Bondaana, a local designer, the President showcased the extraordinary talent within the country’s fashion landscape.
The intricate details, from the Adinkra symbols to the seamless fusion of Kente and Agbada styles, celebrated the artistry and storytelling embedded in Ghanaian culture.
But more importantly, it was statement of the potential of the creative industry to serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, while also positioning Ghana on the global stage.
The outfit’s symbolism and the conversations it sparked highlighted the critical role of Ghana’s creatives in shaping national identity. Designers, like Bondaana, are not merely purveyors of style— they are custodians of culture and visionaries of progress.
The Sea, a few meters away, also approved the President’s fashion statement as it kissed the Sun’s golden beams on a glittering shoreline which has seen many of such moments.
GNA