All set for Mahama’s inauguration: Ten Heads of State to attend swearing-in ceremony

All is set as President-elect John Dramani Mahama takes the oath of office on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

The inauguration, scheduled at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, will mark a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the Mahama Transition Team, has confirmed the presence of ten heads of state, alongside two vice presidents, one speaker of parliament, and representatives from global bodies like the Commonwealth and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kenyan President William Ruto are among the high-profile attendees.

Delegations from the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom have also confirmed their participation.

Security and Preparations

The Black Star Square is undergoing extensive preparations to ensure a dignified and secure event. Access to the parliamentary enclave, temporarily relocated to the Square for the swearing-in, will be strictly by invitation. The Ministry of National Security has imposed a ban on private drones within the vicinity during the ceremony, as part of heightened security measures.

Acting Chief Director Lily Fati Soale emphasized that the ban applies to all drones, including recreational and commercial ones, to safeguard the dignitaries and guests.

Event Schedule and Protocols

The inauguration will commence at 8:30 a.m., with guests expected to be seated promptly. Members of Parliament and other dignitaries will arrive before the Speaker of Parliament, who will escort the President-elect and Vice-President-elect to the parliamentary chamber for formal proceedings starting at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu reiterated that only invited guests with valid invitation cards would be granted access to the swearing-in area, underscoring the importance of following established protocols.

CARTOON: The ‘Johnny-Nana’ handoverhttps://t.co/Vld2gIIA7t pic.twitter.com/9ka8julMQG

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Traffic Diversions and Parking Arrangements

To ensure a smooth flow of activities, key roads near the Black Star Square will be temporarily closed, including:

• 28th February Road: From CEPS Headquarters to Castle Road Junction.
• Castle Road: From AU Circle to Osu Cemetery Traffic Light.
• Starlet 91 Road: Adjacent to the Black Star Square.

Traffic from La, Labone, and Osu will be diverted to Salem Avenue and Oxford Street, while designated parking areas include:

• Back of the Independence Arch.
• Forecourt of the State House.
• Access Bank Car Park.
• Ministries Area and other specified lots.

“No vehicle will be allowed to park in unauthorized areas or pass through roadblocks,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.

The inauguration is not just a ceremonial event but a testament to Ghana’s dedication to democracy and peaceful transitions of power.

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The post All set for Mahama’s inauguration: Ten Heads of State to attend swearing-in ceremony first appeared on 3News.

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