U.S. President Joseph R. Biden Jr. has named a delegation to represent the United States at the inauguration of Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.
Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, will lead the U.S. delegation. A White House statement announced her designation and added that she would be joined by Virginia E. Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana; Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles; and Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council.
The ceremony will mark the return of President-elect Mahama to the highest office in Ghana after his overwhelming victory in the December 7 elections. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo will formally hand over the presidency. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the John Dramani Mahama Transition Team, confirmed that the event will be attended by 10 heads of state, along with two vice presidents, one speaker of parliament, two former presidents, and representatives from organizations such as the Commonwealth and the African Development Bank.
In addition to the swearing-in, there will be a parliamentary session held temporarily at Black Star Square. To manage the large crowd, access to the venue will be restricted to invited guests only, with Mr. Ofosu emphasizing that no one will be allowed into the swearing-in area without their invitation cards.
For the duration of the event, several roads in Accra will be closed, including 28th February Road, Castle Road, and Starlet 91 Road. Traffic will be diverted, and designated parking areas will be available, such as those behind the Independence Arch, at the State House, and at other nearby locations. Unauthorized parking or driving through roadblocks will be prohibited.
President-elect Mahama has pledged to focus on economic transformation, job creation through a 24-hour economy, empowering women with a Women Development Bank offering low-interest loans, and improving access to affordable tertiary education.
The inauguration will highlight Ghana’s dedication to democracy and peaceful transitions of power, reinforcing its reputation as a stable nation. Guests are expected to arrive by 8:30 AM, with formal proceedings set to begin at 11:00 AM.
