The newly sworn-in President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, delivered his inaugural speech on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
In his tackle to the nation, President Mahama expressed gratitude to the residents for entrusting him with their confidence, pledging to steer the nation into a brand new period of progress, unity, and prosperity.
He outlined an inspiring roadmap targeted on the nation’s future, emphasizing innovation and resilience.
Beneath is the total textual content of his speech:
The Proper Honorable Speaker of Parliament,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Her Excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Jane Nana Opoku-Agyemang,
Management, the Chief Justice,
Your Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and particular visitor of honor for this event,
Your Excellencies, Presidents, Heads of Authorities and Growth Businesses,
Your Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,
Former President, Your Excellency, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,
Distinguished Invited Friends, Girls and Gents, My Brothers and Sisters,
I want you a very good morning, and we give due to the Almighty God on this event.
Our Father, who artwork in heaven, we thank You for giving us at the present time, a day that provides me, Your humble servant, a singular alternative to work to reset our expensive nation, Ghana.
Thirty-two years in the past, on January 7, Ghana made its first and most profitable democratic transition, a reset with the swearing-in of the newly democratically elected President, Jerry John Rawlings, of blessed reminiscence.
Our nation was returned to a multi-party democracy with a brand new structure that went into impact, and the Fourth Republic was formally established.
I discuss with it as a reset as a result of, on that day in 1993, we made our fourth try at establishing a democratic system of presidency with time period limits primarily based on free, honest, and clear elections. The handover of energy on January 7, 2001, between former President Jerry John Rawlings and, on the time, the newly elected President John Agyekum Kufuor, examined that reset, and our nation handed with flying colours.
So at the moment, with my induction as the brand new President of the Republic of Ghana, historical past is being made as soon as once more, and it’s a historical past price repeating each 4 years with every newly elected president.
At this time, we’re additionally making a special sort of historical past, one which speaks to our maturity as a democracy, a nation of residents enfranchised with the authority on the polls to find out their political future.
At this time’s train between the outgoing president, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and I feels a bit like déjà vu. That’s as a result of eight years in the past to at the present time, on January 7, 2017, we shared this identical area and carried out this identical transitional train.
On the time, I used to be the outgoing president, having served one time period, and he was the incoming president, having been given a mandate by the folks of Ghana to steer this nice nation of ours. He and I each understood on that day, as I’m positive we do at the moment, that it’s the folks of Ghana that we’re elected to serve.
Someway it appears becoming that it’s with Nana Akufo-Addo that I twice shared this stage and this distinctive historic distinction as a result of Nana Akufo-Addo and I started our nationwide political careers in Parliament in the identical yr, 1996.
He has all the time greeted me with a agency handshake and a smile, and he’s maybe the one particular person in my life who has persistently chosen to name me Johnny.
Whereas we belong to opposing political events, we shared a way of mutual respect. In these early days, we in all probability couldn’t have imagined that future would convey us to the management of our respective events and that we must face off three separate occasions as we every vied for the best workplace of the land.
Nana, as this might be our closing assembly beneath these circumstances, and as I look again on the journey we now have traveled collectively, two a lot youthful males entered Parliament along with a full head of black hair, and also you with the identical bald head and spherical eyeglasses, I’ve to say that you’ve, with out exception, been a worthy opponent.
I prolong my warmest needs to His Excellency, the previous Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia. It was a grueling marketing campaign, and we gave it our all. Your sportsmanship in making an early concession eased tensions and contributed to the early conclusion of the electoral contest. I want you all one of the best in your endeavors.
My brothers and sisters, the world during which Ghana exists at the moment as I start this presidency just isn’t the identical world during which we now have lived beneath different presidencies. There are tensions and conflicts that haven’t beforehand existed between nations. These tensions and conflicts place strain on alliances to determine the place we are going to assist.
There’s a seismic shift taking place throughout the system of world financial dominance. Whereas the G7 nations—the USA, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan—as soon as offered the best proportion of the world’s GDP, during the last decade, that quantity has been steadily dropping. Nonetheless, the mixed whole of the GDP of the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE has been persistently rising.
In 2023, for example, the G7’s mixed whole of wealth (GDP) was 30%, however by 2029, that quantity is predicted to drop to 27%. In 2023, the BRICS proportion of world GDP was 37.3%.
So what does this imply to us in Ghana? What may it imply to our financial system? The place will we match on this geopolitical maelstrom?
Applied sciences akin to synthetic intelligence have taken us to new heights, opening up the potential for nationwide, monetary, and private safety points that we aren’t but capable of think about. One instance is the usage of misinformation and algorithm manipulations on social media platforms to sway a specific group’s sentiment in direction of or away from one thing.
Communities and medical infrastructure in a number of of our neighboring nations and within the sub-region. Allow us to additionally not overlook how swiftly and utterly the COVID pandemic introduced the whole world to a screeching halt.
My authorities might be working diligently to strengthen our public well being methods whereas monitoring the worldwide well being state of affairs in order that when, and never if, the subsequent pandemic or epidemic happens, the lack of lives in Ghana might be minimal.
The bigger world exists round us and to some extent inside us. Whereas we can not and will by no means use it as an excuse to stray from the direct and quick wants of Ghana for the well-being of our residents, we should additionally keep in mind that the affairs of the world can form, affect, keep away from, and even maximize the impact they’ve on us.
My brothers and sisters, early a month in the past, we held historic elections which have prompted dramatic shifts in our political panorama. I really feel vastly honored that you just, my compatriots, thought of me worthy of receiving such an unprecedented and overwhelming mandate to steer the affairs of our beloved nation at this crucial time in our historical past.
The magnitude of this victory within the presidential elections and the positive aspects that have been made by my get together, the Nationwide Democratic Congress, within the parliamentary elections naturally and justifiably resulted in nice pleasure and celebration throughout our nation, Ghana.
However celebrations, irrespective of how justified and well-earned, have to be supplanted by discernment, sobriety, and deeper insights into why we acquired this type of mandate within the first place.
By voting as you probably did on December 7, the Ghanaian folks conveyed a strong message, but typically missed by us politicians. This message was powerfully emphasised by a large of American political historical past, President Ronald Reagan, when he declared at his inauguration some 40 years in the past that governments haven’t any energy besides that granted by the folks.
Whereas Ghanaians take nice pleasure in our thriving democracy, they’re deeply dissatisfied with the standard of governance through the years and have brazenly voiced that dissatisfaction via the decisive actions they undertake on the elections.
Our folks additionally perceive that democracy is not only a token adorned with periodic elections adopted by pomp and pageantry with the institution of a brand new authorities. They count on that if democracy is widely known as a superior technique of governance, then its outcomes have to be extra tangible and profit them of their particular person lives.
Any sincere introspection and reflection on the heart beat of our nation would reveal that many inside our inhabitants don’t really feel that they’ve benefited from or partaken on this democratic dividend.
Our folks, affected by extreme financial crises and hardships, have in the previous couple of years lurched from disaster to disaster, and there may be hope on the horizon.
At this time ought to mark the start of a brand new alternative, a possibility for us to make a distinction in our governance and our financial administration. We will reset our expensive nation, Ghana.
To the tens of millions of my fellow countrymen and girls who joined lengthy queues and waited within the solar for his or her flip to vote for me, you may have my sincerest thanks for honoring me.
My agency, immutable assurance is that your vote will matter within the work that I’ll do to make a distinction within the future of this expensive nation of ours. Your braveness to convey change won’t go in useless.
Our nation was born with a lot promise. That promise could seem hazy and unsure now due to all that has occurred previously, and I urge you, my fellow countrymen, to not be sucked right into a state of perpetual pessimism.
For a while, our nation has urgently wanted management with an unwavering want to get issues finished. With all humility, I assert that I intend to be that chief, together with your cooperation and your assist.
As your subsequent chief, I shall try to train sound judgment and have the ability to make the appropriate calls on the proper time. I’ll have the humility and presence of thoughts to take accountability for any challenges and be prepared to behave firmly and tirelessly to resolve the challenges that we face as a nation.
Because the elections, I’ve learn and heard the phrase “hope” used many occasions in relation to my presidency and what it ought to supply the residents of Ghana. I intend to talk plainly and clearly to you at the moment, and each time I tackle you subsequently, I intend to all the time inform you the reality.
The circumstances we discover ourselves in are certainly dire, and even so, I’ll be decisive and swift in my actions.
We’ll focus our preliminary efforts on 4 crucial areas. The primary is financial restoration and stabilization of the macroeconomic surroundings. The second is the advance of the enterprise and funding surroundings to make sure that Ghana is as soon as once more open for enterprise.
The third is governance and constitutional reforms. And the ultimate, however not the least, is accountability and the struggle in opposition to corruption.
My brothers and sisters, actions have all the time spoken louder than phrases. With that in thoughts, I’ve entered right into a covenant with you, the nice folks of Ghana, during which I’ve enumerated 26 actions that I’ll take inside my first 120 days.
There’s cause for hope, and there may be each cause for hope, however we should even have religion as a result of religion empowers us to belief that issues will occur
With religion, you imagine what you understand, and that’s the reason we’d like religion to have the ability to obtain our reset
We want a reset with the religion we now have in our nation and our management. We want a reset with the religion we now have in our establishments. We want a reset with our religion in our expensive nation, Ghana, and by that, I imply in all of us, as a result of all of us are Ghana. You might be Ghana, and I’m Ghana.
All of you seated right here at the moment, Ghanaian residents, you might be Ghana. The people who find themselves with you or close to you, as you watch this on tv in your properties or pay attention on the radio or comply with on social media, are what we name Ghana.
I ask that we enter into the covenant with the Ghana all of us love and the nice folks of Ghana who make up this expensive nation. And I ask that you just envision a Ghana that you just wish to dwell in, a Ghana that you just wish to depart behind to your kids and your grandchildren.
What are you able to do to assist construct that higher Ghana that all of us try for? What behaviors, what attitudes, and mindsets can we reset?
We want a reset, and we place confidence in Ghana’s potential to beat, excel, and be so profitable with this reset that will probably be troublesome to think about a time when that was not the case.
As we stand at this momentous crossroads in our nation’s historical past, I’m honored and humbled to just accept the mantle of the President of the Republic of Ghana.
At this time, we rejoice a brand new administration and herald an unprecedented period of alternative and transformation. With Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang by my aspect, we’re poised to embark on a journey of progress and inclusivity, united in our imaginative and prescient for a extra affluent Ghana.
This present day is especially particular for us and for each Ghanaian who goals of a society the place boundaries are shattered and ambitions are realized. With the inauguration of Ghana’s first feminine Vice President, we now have turned a big web page in our historical past.
Nana Jane’s ascension to the excessive workplace just isn’t merely a private triumph. It symbolizes our collective dedication to fostering a nation the place gender equality and feminine illustration are cherished and amplified.
It is a highly effective testomony to the facility of numerous voices to form the longer term—voices which have the braveness to soar past our conventional confines.
My brothers and sisters, collectively, as we glance to the horizon, we reaffirm our dedication to breaking the glass ceiling that has lengthy hindered many from reaching their full potential. Governance that displays all segments of our inhabitants strengthens our democracy and enriches our dialog.
We stand dedicated to enacting insurance policies that empower girls and be certain that the door of alternative is open huge for our youth and our girls, no matter their background. Collectively, we’ll impress our efforts to create a society the place each Ghanaian can dream, imagine, and obtain with none restraints.
Keep in mind that nice management just isn’t outlined merely by the workplaces we occupy, however by the legacy that we depart for future generations.
My administration, together with my Vice President, Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, will prioritize inclusivity, accountability, and innovation, forging pathways that can result in the upliftment of all our residents.
I’m profoundly grateful for this second, a cornerstone in our journey in direction of a brighter future for Ghana.
On this resounding victory, I see a clarion name, notably from the youth of Ghana, a technology that’s brimming with potential and goals which are ready to be realized. This second is a strong affirmation that your voices matter, that your aspirations are legitimate and that your future have to be our precedence.
We’re dedicated to translating your hopes into motion and creating alternatives for schooling, entrepreneurship, employment, and empowerment.
Our insurance policies might be tailor-made to maintain innovation and foster industries that interact at the moment’s younger minds and equip them with the abilities wanted for tomorrow’s challenges. Along with the personal sector and captains of enterprise, we are going to create first rate and well-paying jobs.
As we embark on this new chapter, I guarantee you that our selections will champion variety in all aspects of governance, making certain that each Ghanaian, no matter your ethnicity, gender, age, faith, or any background, can have the chance to contribute to our nation’s story.
Ghana’s youth symbolize the heartbeat of our democracy. Their ambition will drive our insurance policies as we attempt to create an inclusive, equitable society the place everybody has a seat on the desk.
A Imaginative and prescient for a 24-Hour Economic system
Our imaginative and prescient hinges on the introduction and implementation of a 24-hour financial system. We envisage an modern and vibrant 24-hour Ghanaian financial system, which may even be anchored in agriculture and agribusiness.
This modern method will unlock potentials which have lengthy remained dormant, enabling us to harness the vitality and creativity of all our folks.
Simply think about a Ghana the place our markets are alive and bustling in any respect hours of the day, with responsive public companies accessible always, such that companies can function flexibly to fulfill the various calls for that they’re subjected to.
The 24-hour financial system mannequin may even bolster job creation for younger folks, stimulate native business, entice overseas investments, and permit us to construct resilient communities and a sustainable future.
This imaginative and prescient extends past mere financial transactions. It symbolizes empowerment—the empowerment of each Ghanaian to contribute to our nationwide progress.
This imaginative and prescient will enable us to embrace variety, cater to diversified life and preferences, and foster a tradition of inclusion, making certain that each citizen can benefit from the fruits of their laborious work.
To the enterprise leaders and entrepreneurs, I invite you to assist this new mannequin and be part of me in shaping a enterprise surroundings the place creativity thrives and the place the fruits of your funding contribute to the collective welfare of our nation.
Your function in driving our financial system ahead can’t be overstated. Your innovation and dedication would be the spine of our success story. And I pledge to you that we are going to take a look at the tax regime and rationalize it in order that it’s extra clear and honest.
Members of the enterprise group, I guarantee you, Ghana is open for enterprise once more.
Let me thank Your Excellencies, my fellow presidents, for forsaking what’s a busy schedule and coming to affix us at this ceremony. Your presence brings honor to this inaugural ceremony, and I wish to prolong my heartfelt due to all of you and to our sister nations who’ve traveled from close to and much to be with us at the moment.
Your presence is a testomony to the sturdy bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our nations, and I promise you, I’ll work to foster partnerships that transcend our borders and work collectively with you in direction of regional stability, financial progress, and mutual respect between our nations.
To my buddies from throughout Africa and the world, I thanks and welcome you to Ghana, and in our native parlance, I say “akwaba” to all of you.
To my household and fellow residents, my spouse, Lordina, I thanks to your unwavering assist and dedication to our shared imaginative and prescient. This journey just isn’t mine alone. It belongs to all of us. It belongs to every of you.
Let at the moment be the daybreak of a brand new period of hope, an period of job creation, an period of accountability, an period of institutional strengthening and resilience, and an period of unparalleled potential for all Ghanaians.
We’ll write the subsequent chapter in Ghana’s story, and will probably be one among promise, transparency, and transformative progress.
My fellow residents, it is a patriotic name to motion for all of us to take part in constructing a nation that lives as much as its promise, the place hope thrives and goals change into a actuality.
Collectively, allow us to domesticate a brighter future for our beloved Ghana, the place unity, progress, and equality are usually not simply beliefs we aspire to however are the very cloth of our nation.
Closing Remarks
In closing, I invite you to companion with us on this journey. Collectively, we are able to create a brighter future for our beloved Ghana, the place unity, progress, and equality are usually not merely targets we’re aiming for however are the cornerstone of our society.
Let’s work hand in hand to foster these values and strengthen our nation for everybody.
My fellow residents, invited visitors, I thanks very a lot.
Might God bless our homeland, Ghana, and make our nation nice and powerful.
I thanks.
Be First to Comment