President John Mahama, at the age of 66, made a grand entrance at the Black Star Square for his inauguration on January 7 after securing a decisive victory in Ghana’s 2024 election.
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause as he took the Oath of Office and raised the glittering State Sword, a symbol of authority.
What caught the attention of Ghanaians both at the venue and online was Mr Mahama’s attire.
He chose to wear a white ‘Agbada,’ a traditional outfit consisting of a flowing robe and traditional trousers. This outfit, popularized by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, is a symbol of elegance and tradition worn across West Africa.
Adding a unique twist to his attire, Mr Mahama incorporated two long kente embroideries flanking his three-piece outfit. The kente design matched the pattern of his hat, named ‘Ɛmmerɛ Pa Da W’anim,’ which translates to Better Days Lie Ahead.
The Agbada symbolizes Ghana’s commitment to regional integration and unity in Africa, a message that resonates strongly with the heads of state and leaders who attended the inauguration.
The attire also featured four Adinkra symbols, each carrying its own significance.
The ‘Nyame Dua’ symbol represents the presence and guardianship of God, while ‘Dwennimmen’ symbolizes strength, humility, wisdom, and learning. These symbols reflect Mr Mahama’s pledge to be firm in his fight against corruption and collaborate with the public.
The choice of Adinkra symbols on his attire, such as ‘Gye Nyame’ and ‘Sankofa,’ symbolizes faith in God and learning from the past, indicating Mr Mahama’s readiness to address past inefficiencies and frustrations in his leadership.
In his speech during the event, President Mahama shared his vision for Ghana’s future, calling for a comprehensive reset to tackle pressing challenges and pave the way for progress.
His attire, rich in cultural and symbolic significance, conveyed a message of strength, humility, reflection, and faith, aligning his leadership with the values and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
