Ghana has successfully sworn in Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the 5th President of the 4th Republic of Ghana at the historic Independence Square. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was also sworn in as his Vice President.
His Excellency Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won 53.8 percent of the total valid votes cast during Presidential and Parliamentary elections held on the 7th December 2016.
In his inaugural speech, the new President stated that he is in the unique position to draw from the lessons of three former ex-Presidents namely; John Dramani Mahama, John Agyekum Kufuor and Jerry John Rawlings, who represent the continuation of Ghana’s thriving democracy.
The 72-year-old Lawyer also charged Ghanaians to be active citizens in the change process and not spectators. He stated, “the change can and should start now. I urge you to be citizens, not spectators, citizens, not subjects, responsible citizens building our communities and our nation. Let us work until the work is done.” On the role of the private sector, President Akufo-Addo stated, “we are indeed counting on a vibrant private sector to drive growth and create jobs.” He further stated that his government “will stimulate the create juices of innovators, we will bring to life the adventurer in you. It is time to emerge and to dream again, it is time to try that business idea again.”
For potential investors and trade partners, the new President underlined the fact that his government will reduce taxes to recover the momentum of the Ghanaian economy. President Akufo-Addo underlined the fact that the doors of Ghana are open again and that this is the best time to manufacture and sell in the country.
The ceremony was attended over 15 African Heads of State including His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, who was also the special Guest of Honour. In his address, the Ivorian leader urged Ghanaians to enviously protect the country’s democracy. He further explained that democratic governance leads to a peaceful nation building, a pre-requisite for eventually sustainable economic development.
Also in attendance were other dignitaries and heads of state from all over the world including the French Minister of State for Development and Francophonie, Mr Jean-Marie Le Guen, who represented President Hollande.
His Excellency Akufo-Addo served as the Member of Parliament for the Abuakwa South Constituency of the Eastern Region from 1996 to 2008. He also served Ghana as the Attorney General and then as Foreign Minister in Former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s NPP government from 2000 to 2008.
His Excellency William Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is the son of *Edward Akufo-Addo, the former President of Ghana (Ceremonial 1969 to 1972). His father also served as Chief Justice from 1966 to 1970.
*He was a Ceremonial President because Executive powers were vested in Prime Minister during the Second Republic.
Source: Ghana Embassy Paris
