President John Dramani Mahama, on January 7, 2025, was sworn in at Independence Square in Accra for his third term as President of Ghana.
The ceremony was marked by the conspicuous absence of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament, although Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin led a small representation of the group.
The NPP’s absence highlights their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 general elections, where the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a commanding parliamentary majority of 183 seats.
The NPP managed only 88 seats, with four independent MPs completing the composition of the Ninth Parliament.
The electoral loss has left the NPP reeling, prompting internal calls for party restructuring and leadership accountability.
Despite the boycott, the inauguration proceeded smoothly under tight security.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, a respected NPP statesman, attended the event, demonstrating statesmanship and support for Ghana’s democratic principles.
Other notable attendees included former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, as well as several heads of state from across the African continent.
The ceremony attracted an estimated 50,000 people, including 22 African heads of state, such as president of the Bola Tinubu, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, and President Yayi Boni of Benin.
In his inaugural address, President Mahama promised to prioritize economic recovery, youth employment, and infrastructure development while ensuring accountability and good governance.
His third term comes at a time when Ghanaians have high expectations for swift action on pressing national issues.
The NPP’s decision to boycott the inauguration stems from their dissatisfaction with the parliamentary election results, which they believe do not reflect the true will of the people.
Unlike previous election cycles, the party has chosen not to challenge the results in court but rather focus on rebuilding and strategizing for future elections.
“We respect the electoral process but cannot overlook the dynamics that led to our loss of parliamentary dominance,” an NPP insider stated.
The party has vowed to play a constructive role in opposition, focusing on holding the government accountable.
The Ninth Parliament, which begins its session today, reflects a significant shift in Ghana’s political landscape. With the NDC commanding a near two-thirds majority, the government is well-positioned to advance its legislative agenda.
However, the presence of four independent MPs could introduce an element of unpredictability in key parliamentary decisions.
The entire New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament was absent from the inauguration of President John Mahama at the Independence Square.
However, the group was represented by its leadership, led by the Minority Leader, Hon. Afenyo-Markin. pic.twitter.com/yTymKD6yL9
— The1957News (@The1957News) January 7, 2025
