John Dramani Mahama, the former President of Ghana, has been re-elected as the country’s president after winning the 2024 elections.
Following the concession speech from Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who acknowledged Mahama’s victory, here are five important things to know about Ghana’s incoming president:
1) Former Vice President of Ghana
Before becoming president, Mahama served as Ghana’s Vice President from 2009 to 2012. He assumed the presidency in July 2012 following the untimely death of President John Atta Mills. His leadership during this period was pivotal, though he faced significant challenges, including economic difficulties and power shortages.
2) Extensive Government Experience
Mahama has a long history in Ghana’s government. He served as the deputy minister for communication from 1997 to 1998, before becoming the substantive minister of communications in 1998.
Mahama’s political journey began in 1996 when he was elected to Ghana’s Parliament to represent the Bole/Bamboi constituency. He was re-elected in 2000 and 2004, serving three terms in parliament. Despite losing the presidency in 2016 and 2020, Mahama has remained a dominant force in Ghanaian politics, and his re-election in 2024 underscores his resilience and enduring popularity.
3) A Family of Athletes and Leaders
Mahama’s family is a source of pride for him. He is married to Lordina Mahama, and together they have five children. His son, Sharaf Mahama, is an ex-professional footballer who now works as a FIFA-licensed football agent.
Sharaf is also the CEO of the Sharaf Mahama Foundation, which focuses on community development through sports, health, and education.
4) Ties to Nigeria
Mahama has a unique personal connection to Nigeria. In August 2024, he revealed that his stepmother, who raised him, is from Offa in Kwara State, Nigeria.
He spent part of his childhood living in Offa during a period of political unrest in Ghana.
