John Mahama was sworn in as Ghana's president on Tuesday, marking his third term in office. This comes as the country grapples with its worst economic crisis in decades. Mahama, who campaigned on promises to address corruption, unemployment, and the economic downturn, won the December election.
The election, held against the backdrop of a severe cost-of-living crisis, was viewed as a crucial test for Ghanaian democracy. Observers noted a generally peaceful election, a positive trend in the region.
Mahama, 65, previously served as president from 2012 to 2017. His platform emphasized economic revitalization, particularly appealing to younger voters. He aims to revitalize the economy through leveraging a 24-hour economy, potentially broadening the tax base of small businesses to boost revenue.
Local business leaders and economists express varying hopes for the new administration. Andrew Takyi, a fintech founder, anticipates the potential for increased revenue through improved economic policies. Innocent Appiah, a media research officer, emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the extractive industry, expecting the government to increase revenue through value addition and community engagement.
Public opinion, as reflected by trader Enyonam Agble, emphasizes the importance of recovering funds lost through corruption during the previous administration.
