Ten Heads of State to attend John Mahama’s inauguration on January 7
Felix Ofosu Kwakye
Felix Ofosu Kwakye, spokesperson for the Transition Team of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, has announced that ten heads of state will attend the inauguration ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
The event, which will take place at the Black Star Square in Accra, is poised to be a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic history.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, Mr. Ofosu disclosed that the ceremony will also be attended by two vice presidents, a speaker of parliament, two former presidents, and representatives from international organizations, including the Commonwealth and the African Development Bank.
“The ceremony will showcase Ghana’s commitment to democracy and peaceful transitions of power,” he emphasized, while assuring the public that preparations are in place to ensure a smooth and secure event.
The inauguration will feature a parliamentary session, necessitating the relocation of Parliament’s sitting to Black Star Square. Access to this session will be limited strictly to invitees, with Mr. Ofosu stressing, “Members of the public and all the guests are reminded that they cannot and will not be allowed to enter the swearing-in area without presenting their invitation cards.”
He said that guests are expected to be seated by 8:30 a.m., followed by the arrival of Members of Parliament and other dignitaries. The Speaker of Parliament will then escort the President-elect and Vice President-elect into the Chamber, where the formal proceedings will commence at 11:00 a.m.
To accommodate the event, specific roads in Accra will be temporarily closed. These include the 28th February Road from CEPS Headquarters to the Castle Road Junction, Castle Road from AU Circle to the Osu Cemetery Traffic Light, and Starlet 91 Road.
According to him, traffic diversions will be in place, with vehicles redirected through alternate routes such as Salem Avenue Traffic Light and Oxford Street for those heading towards the Central Business District. Traffic from John Evans Atta Mills High Street to Black Star Square will also be rerouted.
Mr. Ofosu also added that designated parking areas for the event include the back of the Independence Arch, the Forecourt of the State House, Access Bank Car Park, Osu Cemetery Car Park, Ministry Areas, Ministry of Food and Agriculture Car Park, Marine Drive Football Park, and Efua Sutherland Car Park. “No vehicles will be permitted to park in unauthorized areas or drive through any of the roadblocks,” Mr. Ofosu clarified.
The spokesperson expressed confidence in the arrangements, underscoring that the ceremony is an opportunity for Ghana to demonstrate its dedication to democratic values and orderly transitions.
Source: Hannah Addae
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