John Dramani Mahama’s Inaugural Address: A Vision for Ghana’s Future Through Innovation and Economic Transformation
In a momentous ceremony held on January 7, 2025, John Dramani Mahama was inaugurated as the President of Ghana.
His inaugural speech resonated with hope, unity, and a resolute commitment to the progress and prosperity of the Ghanaian people. As he stood before a diverse audience of dignitaries, citizens, and international observers, Mahama articulated a vision that seeks to restore faith in Ghana’s institutions and leadership.
In a call for National reset, President John Dramani Mahama’s address began with a poignant acknowledgment of the challenges that have beset the nation in recent years. He emphasized the urgent need for a “national reset,” a clarion call for Ghanaians to come together to rebuild trust in their institutions.
While Ghanaians take great pride in our thriving democracy, they are deeply dissatisfied with the quality of governance over the years and have openly voiced that dissatisfaction through the decisive actions they undertake at the elections. Our people also understand that democracy is not just a token adorned with periodic elections followed by pomp and pageantry with the establishment of a new government. They expect that if democracy is celebrated as a superior means of governance, then its outcomes must be more tangible and benefit them in their individual lives.
Any honest introspection and reflection on the pulse of our nation would reveal that many within our population do not feel that they have benefited from or partaken in this democratic dividend. Our people, affected by severe economic crises and hardships, have in the last few years, lurched from crisis to crisis, and there is hope on the horizon.
For some time, our country has urgently needed leadership with an unwavering desire to get things done. With all humility, I assert that I intend to be that leader, with your cooperation and your help.
As your next leader, I shall strive to exercise sound judgment and be able to make the right calls at the right time. I will have the humility and presence of mind to take responsibility for any challenges and be willing to act firmly and tirelessly to resolve the challenges that we face as a nation.
Since the elections, I’ve read and heard the word “hope” used many times in relation to my presidency and what it should offer the citizens of Ghana. I intend to speak plainly and clearly to you today, and every time I address you subsequently, I intend to always tell you the truth.
The circumstances we find ourselves in are indeed dire, and even so, I’ll be decisive and swift in my actions. We’ll focus our initial efforts on four critical areas. The first is economic restoration and stabilization of the macroeconomic environment. The second is the improvement of the business and investment environment to ensure that Ghana is once again open for business. The third is governance and constitutional reforms. And the final, but not the least, is accountability and the fight against corruption.
My brothers and sisters, actions have always spoken louder than words. With that in mind, I have entered into a covenant with you, the good people of Ghana, in which I have enumerated 26 actions that I’ll take within my first 120 days.
“There is reason for hope, and there is every reason for hope, but we must also have faith, because faith empowers us to trust that things will happen. With faith, you believe what you know, and that is why we need faith to be able to achieve our reset.
We need a reset with the faith we have in our country and our leadership.
We need a reset with the faith we have in our institutions. We need a reset with our faith in our dear nation, Ghana, and by that, I mean in all of us, because all of us are Ghana. You are Ghana, and I am Ghana.
All of you seated here today, Ghanaian citizens, you are Ghana. The people who are with you or near you, as you watch this on television in your homes or listen on the radio or follow on social media, are what we call Ghana.
I ask that we enter into the covenant with the Ghana we all love and the good people of Ghana who make up this dear nation. And I ask that you envision a Ghana that you want to live in, a Ghana that you want to leave behind to your children and your grandchildren.
What can you do to help build that better Ghana that we all strive for? What behaviours, what attitudes, and mindsets can we 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 will be difficult to imagine a time when that was not the case”
In celebrating historic milestones, John Mahama’s speech highlighted the Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s historic achievement as Ghana’s first female vice president. Mahama described her inauguration as a symbol of progress and a testament to the nation’s commitment to gender equality. “Today, we not only celebrate a new administration but also the breaking of barriers that have long held back our women.
Mahama’s recognition of Opoku-Agyemang’s role underscored his administration’s dedication to inclusivity and representation.
“Today, we celebrate a new administration and herald an unprecedented era of opportunity and transformation. With Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang by my side, we are poised to embark on a journey of progress and inclusivity, united in our vision for a more prosperous Ghana.
This day is particularly special for us and for every Ghanaian who dreams of a society where barriers are shattered and ambitions are realized. With the inauguration of Ghana’s first female vice president, we have turned a significant page in our history.
Nana Jane’s ascension to the high office is not merely a personal triumph. It symbolizes our collective commitment to fostering a nation where gender equality and female representation are cherished and amplified. This is a powerful testament to the power of diverse voices to shape the future, voices that have the courage to soar beyond our traditional confines.
My brothers and sisters, together, as we look to the horizon, we reaffirm our dedication to breaking the glass ceiling that has long hindered many from reaching their full potential. Governance that reflects all segments of our population strengthens our democracy and enriches our conversation.
We stand committed to enacting policies that empower women and ensure that the door of opportunity is open wide for our youth and our women, regardless of their background.
Together, we’ll galvanize our efforts to create a society where every Ghanaian can dream, believe, and achieve without any restraints.
Remember that great leadership is not defined merely by the offices we occupy, but by the legacy that we leave for future generations.
My administration, along with my vice president, Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, will prioritize inclusivity, accountability, and innovation, forging pathways that will lead to the upliftment of all our citizens.
I’m profoundly grateful for this moment, a cornerstone in our journey towards a brighter future for Ghana.
In this resounding victory, I see a clarion call, particularly from the youth of Ghana, a generation that is brimming with potential and dreams that are waiting to be realized. This moment is a powerful affirmation that your voices matter, that your aspirations are valid, and that your future must be our priority.
We’re committed to translating your hopes into action and creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, employment, and empowerment.
Our policies will be tailored to sustain innovation and foster industry that engages today’s young minds and equips them with the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges. Together with the private sector and captains of business, we will create decent and well-paying jobs.
As we embark on this new chapter, I assure you that our decisions will champion diversity in all facets of governance, ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of your ethnicity, gender, age, religion, or any background, will have the opportunity to contribute to our nation’s story. Ghana’s youth represent the heartbeat of our democracy. Their ambition will drive our policies as we strive to create an inclusive, equitable society where everyone has a seat at the table.
In a vision for prosperity, he outlined his vision for the future, “Our vision hinges on the introduction and implementation of a 24-hour economy. We envisage an innovative and vibrant 24-hour Ghanaian economy, which will also be anchored in agriculture and agribusiness. This innovative approach will unlock potentials that have long remained dormant, enabling us to harness the energy and creativity of all our people.
Just imagine a Ghana where our markets are alive and bustling at all hours of the day, with responsive public services accessible at all times, such that businesses can operate flexibly to meet the diverse demands that they are subjected to. The 24-hour economy model will also bolster job creation for young people, stimulate local industry, attract foreign investments, and allow us to build resilient communities and a sustainable future.
This vision extends beyond mere economic transactions. It symbolizes empowerment—the empowerment of every Ghanaian to contribute to our national progress. This vision will allow us to embrace diversity, cater to varied lifestyles and preferences, and foster a culture of inclusion, ensuring that every citizen can enjoy the fruits of their hard work
One of the most striking aspects of Mahama’s speech was his proposal for a new economic model designed to stimulate growth and innovation. “To the business leaders and entrepreneurs, I invite you to support this new model and join me in shaping a business environment where creativity thrives and where the fruits of your investment contribute to the collective welfare of our nation. Your role in driving our economy forward cannot be overstated. Your innovation and dedication will be the backbone of our success story. And I pledge to you that we will look at the tax regime and rationalize it so that it is more transparent and fair. Members of the business community, I assure you, Ghana is open for business again.
Let me thank Your Excellencies, my fellow presidents, for leaving behind what is a busy schedule and coming to join us at this ceremony. Your presence brings honour to this inaugural ceremony, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you and to our sister countries who have traveled from near and far to be with us today. Your presence is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our nations, and I promise you, I will work to foster partnerships that transcend our borders and work collectively with you towards regional stability, economic growth, and mutual respect between our nations.
To my friends from across Africa and the world, I thank you and welcome you to Ghana, and in our local parlance, I say “Akwaaba” to all of you.
To my family and fellow citizens, my wife, Lordina, I thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our shared vision. This journey is not mine alone. It belongs to all of us. It belongs to each of you.
Let today be the dawn of a new era of hope, an era of job creation, an era of accountability, an era of institutional strengthening and resilience, and an era of unparalleled potential for all Ghanaians. We will write the next chapter in Ghana’s story, and it will be one of promise, transparency, and transformative progress.
My fellow citizens, this is a patriotic call to action for all of us to participate in building a nation that lives up to its promise, where hope thrives and dreams become a reality. Together, let us cultivate a brighter future for our beloved Ghana, where unity, progress, and equality are not just ideals we aspire to, but are the very fabric of our nation.
In closing, I invite you to partner with us on this journey. Together, we can create a brighter future for our beloved Ghana, where unity, progress, and equality are not simply goals we are aiming for, but are the cornerstone of our society. Let’s work hand in hand to foster these values and strengthen our nation for everyone.
