10 Heads of State to attend Mahama’s inauguration –Kwakye Ofosu

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the John Dramani Mahama Transition Team, has confirmed that ten heads of state are set to attend the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

During a press conference in Accra, Ofosu revealed that the event would also be attended by two vice presidents, one speaker of parliament, two former presidents, and representatives from international organizations such as the Commonwealth and the African Development Bank.

The inauguration will take place at Black Star Square, where a parliamentary session will also be held. As a result, Parliament’s sitting will be relocated to the venue for the swearing-in ceremony. Preparations are ongoing to ensure a secure and well-organized event, with access to the parliamentary session restricted to invited guests only.

Ofosu expressed confidence in the arrangements, emphasizing that the event offers an opportunity to highlight Ghana’s commitment to democracy and peaceful power transitions.

“Members of the public and all invited guests are reminded that entry to the swearing-in area will only be permitted with an invitation card,” he said.

Guests are expected to be seated by 08:30 hours, with Members of Parliament and other invited dignitaries arriving next. The Speaker will then accompany the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect to the Chamber, with proceedings beginning at 11:00 hours.

Additionally, certain roads in Accra, including 28th February Road (from CEPS Headquarters to Castle Road Junction), Castle Road (from AU Circle to Osu Cemetery Traffic Light), and Starlet 91 Road, will be temporarily closed to traffic and reopened after the event. Traffic from 28th February Road, originating from La, Labone, and Osu towards the Central Business District, will be redirected to the Salem Avenue Traffic Light at Castle Traffic Light to connect with Oxford Street, while traffic from John Evans Atta Mills High Street heading to Black Star Square will also be redirected.

Designated parking areas for the ceremony include the rear of the Independence Arch, the Forecourt of the State House, Access Bank Car Park, Osu Cemetery Car Park, Ministries Areas, Ministry of Food and Agriculture Car Park, Marine Drive Football Park, and Efua Sutherland Car Park.

“No vehicles will be allowed to park in unauthorized locations or pass through any roadblocks,” Ofosu added.