Researched by Gifty Danso 

On January 7, 2025, John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office as president of Ghana for his second and final constitutional term in office. 

Mahama’s return to the presidency has been described as historic after beating former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia with over 1.7 million votes difference during the 2024 general elections. 

As he assumes office, GhanaFact analyses some major facts about Mahama’s presidential reign:

First to lose re-election bid and stage a successful comeback

President John Mahama’s loss in 2016 marked the first time under the Fourth Republic that an incumbent president had failed to secure re-election for a second term. Previously, Jerry John Rawlings (1996) and John Agyekum Kufuor (2004) secured re-election after their first terms.

After 2016, Mahama lost again in 2020 to former President Akufo-Addo. However, he gave another shot at the presidency and was re-elected in the 2024 elections, which many called a historic comeback. 

All of Ghana’s presidents since the Fourth Republic had won re-election bids, except for late president John Evans Atta-Mills, who couldn’t complete his term due to his demise. 

Fig 1 – Mahama during his swearing-in on January 7, 2013

 

First President with a female Vice President

President John Mahama’s swearing-in was preceded by that of his vice president Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s first woman vice president. The first woman vice-chancellor of a state university (University of Cape Coast) made history by becoming the first female Vice President of Ghana. 

Prof. Naana Jane was his running-mate both in the 2020 and 2024 elections. She also served as Education Minister under Mahama’s first term of presidency (2013 – 2017).

Fig 2 – Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is Ghana’s first woman Vice President

 

Contested presidency for four consecutive times

Since taking over as the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2012, Mr. Mahama has contested for the presidency four consecutive times. 

He contested in 2012 and won against Akufo-Addo before losing twice to Akufo-Addo in 2016 and 2020 elections. He defeated Akufo-Addo’s Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to seal his second and final term in office.  

Fig 3 – John Mahama during the 2024 campaign 

 

First President to be sworn in thrice 

Since his inauguration on January 7, 2025, Mr. Mahama has been the first president to be sworn in thrice. 

He took his first oath of office on July 24, 2012, same day his boss, late President John Evans Atta-Mills passed away. The second time was on January 7, 2013, after he was elected for his first term at the end of the 2012 elections. The January 7, 2025 investiture, therefore, becomes his third. 

Fig 4 – John Mahama delivering his inaugural address after being sworn in on January 7, 2025

 

The First President to have his two constitutional terms interrupted

All of Ghana’s presidents since the Fourth Republic (except for President Atta-Mills) have had two straight terms – from President Rawlings to John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo. 

However, President Mahama’s term took a different trajectory as he’s only winning his second term after two failed attempts. 

Fig 5 – GhanaFact video reel on Mahama’s presidential strides