PHOTO:John Dramani Mahama, President-Elect
In a powerful statement, President-elect John Dramani Mahama has promised that his second term will not be business as usual. Instead, he has described it as a “legacy term,” one that will see him work tirelessly to restore Ghana to its rightful place as the Black Star of Africa before he eventually retires from politics.
Speaking on December 12, 2024, during a courtesy call from the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Mahama outlined his vision for the future, making it clear that the easy part—winning the election—is behind him. “Now the difficult part begins: bringing Ghana back and restoring it to being the Black Star of Africa,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to leaving behind a positive legacy.
“This is a legacy term for me,” Mahama added. “It will be about making a good name for myself before stepping away from politics. You can count on me to work as hard as I can to move Ghana to where it should be.”
The weight of the campaign, which saw Mahama triumph over Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has taken its toll on the President-elect. “After the declaration, I haven’t been feeling too well, but we had to fulfil our constitutional obligations, particularly the formation of the transitional teams,” Mahama confessed, acknowledging the mental and physical strain of a hard-fought electoral battle.
Expressing his deep gratitude, Mahama credited the peaceful outcome of the elections to the prayers and support from both Christian and Muslim communities. “We cannot have achieved this victory without your prayers. God has heard our supplications, and we had a peaceful and successful election,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of unity in the face of a nation deeply divided in recent years.
Looking ahead to his governance, Mahama reassured the public that despite securing a significant parliamentary majority, his administration would not act unilaterally. “We have a huge majority, but we’re not going to misuse it. We will consult with the minority and make decisions by consensus rather than by force,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to democracy and collaborative leadership.
He also called on the youth of Ghana to direct their energies toward the country’s long-term development, rather than engaging in acts of vandalism or short-sighted political gains. “Let us work together to rebuild Ghana,” Mahama urged. “We must focus on the long-term development of our nation, and I promise to give my best in restoring Ghana to its rightful place.”
Mahama’s comments signal a shift from the traditional political approach, promising an era of humility, collaboration, and lasting impact. As he prepares to take office, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see if this “legacy term” can indeed set the nation on a new path of prosperity and unity.
About The Author
