Accra: One of the key figures in Ghana’s political landscape, John Dramani Mahama, stands at a critical juncture as he vies for a return to the presidency in the 2024 elections. If successful, Mahama will make history as the first non-consecutive president in the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mahama, a former President and current presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has embarked on his campaign with the slogan ’24-hour Economic Policy.’ This slogan has overshadowed other campaign messages, as Mahama seeks to lead the NDC back to power. Previously serving as Vice President, Mahama assumed the presidency from July 24, 2012, to January 7, 2017, following the death of President John Evans Fiifi Attah Mills. He was elected in 2012 but lost his re-election bid in 2016 to Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Born on November 29, 1958, in Damongo, Mahama’s political journey began as a Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi from 1997 to 2009. He he
ld various ministerial roles, including Deputy Minister for Communication and later Minister of Communications. His political lineage includes his father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, who served in Ghana’s First and Third Republics.
Mahama’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in history and a Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana. He furthered his education at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow, specializing in social psychology. Upon returning to Ghana, he worked at the Embassy of Japan and Plan International’s Ghana Country Office.
During his tenure as Vice President, Mahama chaired several national committees and became President upon Mills’ death in 2012. He won the subsequent election with a narrow margin, leading to a legal challenge by the opposition, which was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Mahama sought re-election in 2016 but was defeated by Akufo-Addo.
In 2019, Mahama was re-elected as the NDC’s presidential candidate for the 2020 election
s, but he again lost to Akufo-Addo. He remains a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, securing an overwhelming victory in the NDC presidential primary in 2023.
Mahama is married to Lordina Mahama, with whom he has five children. His family is multi-faith, reflecting Ghana’s diverse religious landscape. Additionally, Mahama has authored works and received various awards recognizing his contributions to public administration and leadership.
His upcoming challenge in the 2024 elections will test his political acumen as he seeks to reestablish his leadership in Ghana.