JOHN MAHAMA, THE LEADER WHO RETURNS WITH A SYMBOLIC OUTFIT

On 7th January 2025, John Dramani Mahama was sworn in for a four-term as the President of Ghana.

It was a grand celebration with local and international dignitaries, members of the clergy, the diplomatic corps, members of parliament, traditional leaders, trade associations, global and regional press, foreign guests, and a section of Ghanaians who appeared in their best outfits, most of which were the Ghanaian traditional kente fabric exhibited in distinctive styles.

The Inauguration was a national event; the pomp of the ceremony was branded with vibrant kente colors, and a global audience watched the display of beautiful regal culture.

President Mahama’s outfit at the inauguration ceremony captured the nation’s attention. It consisted of a tailored three-piece white kaftan adorned with vibrant kente trimmings on the edge of the Agbada, four key Adinkra symbols in the chest area of the Agbada, and a matching “fila gobi” hat.

The design of the outfit exuded cultural pride. It showcased a good blend of traditional Ghanaian artistry and modern elegance while capturing the symbolic representation of the North and South of Ghana. His outfit represented not only Ghana but also Africa at its best. Each symbol told a story aligning President Mahama’s leadership with the values and aspirations of Ghanaians. His outfit made a powerful statement.

Agbada is a flowing traditional robe used in several countries across the Sahel, including northern Ghana and Nigeria.

Kente is a Ghanaian textile made of hand-woven strips of silk and cotton. The kente was a bold, geometric gold, green, red, and blue pattern with a shimmering texture and vivid hues. It symbolizes prosperity and is deeply rooted in Ghanaian heritage. The kente pattern, “3mmere Pa Da W’anim” (Better Days Await You / Good Times Are Ahead), resonates with the collective aspirations of Ghanaians. The phrase, both a prayer and a promise, embodies the nation’s optimism on the cusp of renewed leadership.

The matching “fila gobi” hat, designed in the same kente fabric, symbolizing tradition and authority, crowned the outfit with sophistication and cultural authenticity.

Adinkra symbols are visual communication, and the four adinkra symbols on the chest area of the agbada were “Nyame Dua”, “Sankofa”, “Dwennimmen”, and “Gye Nyame”.

“Nyame Dua” (Tree of God / Life) represents divine protection, purification, and divine presence, mirroring the hopes of a nation seeking hope and good protection under the new leadership. It highlights President Mahama’s insistence on ethical leadership to restore integrity in public administration and ensure accountability. “Sankofa” (Return and Take It Back), learning from the past, calls on the country to reflect on the lessons of the past as it forges ahead with empathy and humility. It reechoes President Mahama’s call for introspection and a commitment to reset the economy through his 24-Hour Economic Agenda. “Dwennimmen” (Horns of a Ram) represents humility and strength. It symbolizes the delicate balance required of leadership: unwavering strength tempered with resilience. The symbol aligns with President Mahama’s message of humility in leadership and his readiness to engage in peaceful political dialogues. ”Gye Nyame” (Except God) symbolizes God’s Supremacy and the Omnipotence of God. It is an essential reminder of President Mahama’s reliance on faith and divine providence as he embarks on his massive leadership journey.

The short-sleeved white kaftan beneath the Agbada radiated with simplicity and humility.

The whiteness of the whole outfit is associated with peace and spiritual renewal, which affirms Mahama’s pledge to govern fairly, with unity and inclusivity.

It has been reported that President Mahama was profoundly involved in the creative process of his inaugural outfit, which he co-created with Matthew Agambire, who owns Bondaana, a Ghanaian Fashion Brand. This enabled him to provide valuable contributions in every aspect of the outfit design, which resonated with the message he wanted to convey. The main aim was to align the outfit design with the occasion’s significance.

President Mahama’s outfit was not merely for adornment; it was symbolic and a declaration. For a leader returning to power, this symbol showed the lessons of experience and a pledge to lead with wisdom gained through reflection. President Mahama’s outfit was a visual manifesto weaving together the threads of Ghana’s history, cultural identity, and collective aspirations. His Outfit communicated hope, inclusivity, unity, progress, and a call to action.

As the fourteenth (14) President of Ghana and sixth (6th) President of the Fourth Republic, President Mahama has served at all political levels. He was a Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency, Deputy Minister for Communication, Minister for Communications, Vice President of the Republic, President from 2012 to 2016, Former President, and now President again.

President John Dramani Mahama is married to Madam Lordina Mahama and has five (5) children.

Photo Credit: Manuel Photography, John Mahama, Lordina Mahama, Samira Bawumia, Bondaana.

Article written by Francisca Adamikie Pobi Asiedu