The transition team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has shared details of the inauguration of President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Black Star Square, which has been set as the venue for the event, Co-Spokesperson of the NDC Transition Team, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, described the ceremony as historic. “This event is a very historic event because not only will a former president be returning to the presidency, we will also have the first-ever female Vice President after the receipt of a historic mandate from the good people of Ghana,” he said.
Mr. Ofosu clarified that while the ceremony is a parliamentary event traditionally held at Parliament House, it will be relocated to the Black Star Square due to the large number of attendees expected. “The Parliament House will therefore be relocating its sitting from Parliament House to this square for the swearing-in,” he explained.
He also revealed that security will be strictly enforced, with access to sectioned areas granted by invitation only. Among the dignitaries expected are two Vice Presidents, one Speaker of Parliament, and representatives of international organizations such as the Commonwealth and the African Development Bank.
Speaking on the layout of the venue he noted that the Swearing-In Area will be where proceedings will be carried out , while the Ministries Area Stand on the left side of the square will accommodate the outgoing President, Vice President, visiting Heads of State, Vice Presidents, and Speakers of Parliament. The Osu Area Stand, located on the right, will be open to the public. For virtual participants, large LED screens will be positioned around the square.
Attendees are required to be seated by 8:30 AM, ahead of the arrival of Members of Parliament, other invited guests, and the Speaker of Parliament, who will escort the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect to the Swearing-In Area.
These measures, Mr. Ofosu emphasized, have been put in place to ensure there is no indiscriminate movement and to maintain orderliness during the inauguration ceremony, which will commence at 11:00 AM prompt and end at 1:00 PM.
By: Kobina Baidoo
