Some facts about Ghana's new President and Ghana Politics
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Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
As stated in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, a 30-days transition was observed as appointed members from the outgoing
government and the incoming one met to exchange notes on the state of affairs of the country. A large number of people have gathered at the Black Star Square from all walks of life to witness this historic event.
Who is Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo? – 10 Top facts
1. Nana Akufo-Addo was born and raised in Greater Accra Central. His father was among the founding fathers of Ghana’s independence struggle popularly known to us as “The BIG SIX.”2. Nana Addo had his primary education first at the Government Boys School in Adabraka and later proceeded to the Rowe Road School (now called Kinbu), both in Greater Accra Central.
3. Nana went to England to pursue his O-Level and A-Level examinations at Lancing College in Sussex. He returned to Ghana in 1962 to teach.
4. He read Economics at the University of Ghana in 1964, earning a BSc(Econ) degree in 1967. He then studied law in the United Kingdom and was called to the English Bar in July 1971. Akufo-Addo was also called to the Ghana Bar in July 1975.
5. He returned home to Accra to continue with his legal career in 1975 where He joined the chambers of U.V. Campbell from 1975 to 1979, and in 1979 co-founded a law firm called Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co., which has become one of the leading and prominent law firms in Ghana.
6. He used his law practice to promote the cause of human rights, the rule of law, justice, freedom, and democracy in Ghana. He was well known for giving free legal assistance to the less-privileged and fought for the rights and liberties of the ordinary Ghanaian people.
7. Nana Akufo Addo was the first national organizer of the New Patriotic Party back in 1992, and He later became the campaign manager of the party’s first presidential candidate, Profesor Albert Adu Boahen.
8.Nana Addo Dankwa was elected three consecutive times between 1996 and 2008 as a Member of Parliament for the Abuakwa South constituency in the Eastern region.
9. From 2001 to 2007, He was a Cabinet Minister, first as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice for 2 years, and later on, as the Foreign Minister for five years, Nana Akufo-Addo was very fortunate to serve in the 8years reign of President Kufuor – the second president of the fourth republic.
10. Akufo-Addo chaired the meeting of the Security Council that took the decision to stop Israel’s massive incursions into Lebanon in August 2006.
Ghana’s election since the return to multi-party democracy – 1992 till date
Ghana returned has enjoyed multi-party democracy since 1992, here are a few facts worth noting1. Since 1992, all 3 presidents of Ghana have the English name, ‘John’
2. There are about 25 political parties according to the EC but 2 main parties have dominated the political landscape of the country, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
3. A parallel of sorts with the US election is that anytime a Democrat wins an election in the US, the NDC also wins in Ghana, the reverse serves true.
4. For the first time in Ghana’s election history, a woman was the Chairperson for the elections regulatory body, Mrs. Charlotte Osei filled the boots of Afari Gyan who peacefully organized the last five elections.
5. Two of our 3 former presidents (Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor) renewed their mandates after their first 4 years in office except for John Dramani Mahama.
6. President, John Evans Atta Mills died in office in July 2012, his then vice – John Dramani Mahama – replaced him and won the last polls beating Akufo Addo in 2012.
7. For the first time, a woman made it to the presidential ballot sheet, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings – a former first lady – was hoping to break the ‘glass ceiling’ in Ghana.
Highlights from President Akufo-Addo’s first speech
1. It is time to redefine what being a citizen of Ghana ought to be. Being a Ghanaian should mean you sign up to a definable code of conduct.2. I shall protect the public purse by insisting on value for money in all transactions.
3. It is time to imagine and dream again. Ghana has opened for business again.
4. I will not let you, the people of Ghana, down.
Special guest of honor, Alassane Ouattara believes Akufo-Addo will succeed
The Ivorian president, Alassane Ouattara, who is the Special Guest of Honour, says he believes that Ghana’s incoming president, Nana Akufo-Addo will succeed as a leader.
Ouattara says he will continue to increase cooperation between the two countries who have a long standing relationship over the years.
African leaders in attendance include:
1. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari2. Zambian President Edgar Lungu
3. Equatorial Guinea Vice President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
3. Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika
4. Egyptian President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi
5. Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma
6. Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome
7. Chadian President Idriss Déby.
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