JOHN Dramani Mahama is set to make a historic comeback as Ghana’s president after his main rival, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat. This comes despite the Electoral Commission of Ghana yet to officially declare the results.
Mahama, 65, is no stranger to the presidency, having led the nation from 2012 to 2017. Known for his extensive political career, he has risen through the ranks as an MP, deputy minister, minister, vice-president, and president.
During his campaign, Mahama told voters that Ghana was ‘headed in the wrong direction and needs to be rescued.’ However, critics question whether he can deliver, pointing to economic woes and corruption scandals that plagued his previous administration.
Shaped by history: Mahama’s early life
Mahama’s political journey has roots in his childhood. Born in 1958 in the northern town of Damongo, he was thrust into political awareness at an early age. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, a prominent government minister, was jailed during a military coup in 1966 and later went into exile.
These personal trials influenced Mahama’s acclaimed memoir, My First Coup d’Etat, which received praise from literary icons Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Chinua Achebe. In the memoir, Mahama reflects on his experiences, describing himself as an ‘observant child with an unbounded curiosity.’
Raised in relative privilege, Mahama’s family owned the only home in their town with electricity, thanks to a diesel generator. This unique status made their house a gathering point for locals captivated by the rare glow of electric lights.
Education and the birth of a political career
Mahama attended the prestigious Achimota boarding school, known for producing influential African leaders, including Ghana’s first prime minister, Kwame Nkrumah. It was during his time at Achimota that Mahama experienced the anxiety of political upheaval firsthand, fearing for his father’s life during the 1966 coup.
In the years that followed, Mahama pursued higher education, earning a degree in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana and furthering his studies at Moscow’s Institute of Social Sciences. His time in the Soviet Union shaped his perspective on socialism, leading him to observe its flaws.
Returning to Ghana in 1996, Mahama entered politics as an MP for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Over 13 years, he rose through the ranks, serving as the party’s parliamentary spokesperson and minister for communication.
The rise to presidency
Mahama’s ascent to the presidency was sudden and unexpected. After serving as vice-president under President John Atta Mills, he assumed office in 2012 following Mills’ untimely death. Hours after Mills’ passing, Mahama described the day as “the saddest in Ghana’s history.”
Later that year, Mahama won the general election, securing his place as Ghana’s leader. Political analysts describe him as a pragmatic leader and an excellent communicator. However, his measured approach has not always resonated with voters accustomed to bold promises.
Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko, a political scientist at King’s College London, notes, ‘Mahama thrives where politics is driven by reality and intelligent communication.’ Yet, he tells the BBC, ‘Ghanaian voters often favour overambitious pledges, making it difficult for Mahama to charm the populace.’
A leader with a divided legacy
Mahama’s tenure as president saw significant achievements but was also marred by controversies. While he championed infrastructure development, his government faced accusations of corruption and struggled with economic challenges.
Supporters argue that Mahama’s experience and pragmatic approach make him the right leader for Ghana at a time when the nation faces mounting economic pressures. Critics, however, question whether his return will bring the transformation Ghana needs.
As Mahama prepares to take the reins once again, he faces the monumental task of addressing public discontent and restoring trust in his leadership. Whether his second presidency will be defined by redemption or repetition remains to be seen.
Mahama’s journey from a young boy shaped by political upheaval to a twice-elected leader reflects the resilience of Ghana’s democracy. His return marks a new chapter in the country’s political story, one watched closely by supporters and sceptics alike.
