The White House has announced a four-member delegation led by Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, to attend the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama in Ghana. Other members of the delegation include Virginia E. Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana; Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, California; and Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the White House’s National Security Council.
The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Black Star Square in Accra on January 7, 2025, marking a historic comeback for John Dramani Mahama following his victory in Ghana’s December 7 elections. Mahama, the former president, defeated incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo, leading to his return to the Jubilee House after being voted out in 2017.
The White House had previously congratulated Mahama on his victory, with a message issued on behalf of Secretary of State Antony Blinken and signed by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
John Mahama’s focus as the President-elect is on reviving Ghana’s economy, which he believes has suffered over the past eight years. During his campaign, Mahama emphasized reviving the struggling economy and addressing unemployment. In an interview with VOA, he outlined his plans for job creation, school reform, and environmental preservation while supporting small-scale miners.
The United States is Ghana’s largest bilateral development partner, investing over $145 million annually through USAID in various programs. The U.S. is also a key trading partner, with trade exceeding $1.2 billion. American investment in Ghana remains strong, with numerous companies making new investments and trade deals worth millions of dollars.
Ghana is part of the State Partnership Program, which promotes collaboration between its armed forces and a U.S. state’s National Guard. The relationship between the US and Ghana is strong, with mutual investments and partnerships benefiting both nations.
