The former president seeking to lead Ghana once more

John Dramani Mahama, a former president of Ghana, is seeking to reclaim the country’s top office in the upcoming election. Mahama, who led Ghana from 2012 to 2017, is one of the most seasoned politicians in the nation. His political career spans several decades, during which he has served as a Member of Parliament, deputy minister, minister, vice president, and president. At 65 years old, Mahama is making another bid to lead the country, positioning himself as a seasoned leader with the experience to guide Ghana through its current challenges.

Mahama’s early life was shaped by political upheaval. Born in 1958 in Damongo, a northern town in Ghana, he later moved to Accra to live with his father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, who was a government minister. His childhood was marked by the 1966 coup that ousted Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. At just seven years old, Mahama feared for his father’s life, as he was closely associated with Nkrumah. His father was imprisoned for nearly a year after the coup and later went into exile after a second military takeover in 1981. These formative experiences deeply influenced Mahama’s understanding of politics, and he reflected on them in his memoir, My First Coup D’etat, which earned praise from African literary figures like Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Chinua Achebe.

Mahama’s political journey formally began after his studies in Ghana and Russia. He earned a degree in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana and later studied at Moscow’s Institute of Social Sciences. His time in Russia exposed him to the flaws of the socialist system, which influenced his later political views. Upon returning to Ghana in 1996, Mahama entered politics, following in his father’s footsteps and joining the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His early roles included serving as a parliamentary spokesperson and later as the country’s communication minister.

In 2009, Mahama became Ghana’s vice president under President John Atta Mills. When Mills passed away suddenly in 2012, Mahama was sworn in as president. His leadership was immediately tested, and he was elected in his own right later that year. During his presidency, Mahama championed infrastructure projects in sectors such as transportation, education, and health. However, his tenure was also marked by significant economic challenges, including power shortages and rising inflation, which earned him the nickname “Mr. Dumsor” — a reference to frequent power outages (the term “dumsor” means “on” and “off” in the local Twi language).

Additionally, Mahama’s administration was tainted by corruption scandals, including allegations of bribery related to military contracts with the aviation company Airbus. Although investigations did not implicate him personally, the scandals damaged his reputation. Despite this, Mahama continued to position himself as a pragmatic leader, one capable of navigating the country through turbulent times. Political commentator Franklin Cudjoe praised Mahama’s communication skills, while political scientist Dr. Clement Sefa-Nyarko described him as a pragmatist, though one who struggled to captivate voters in a climate driven by grand promises.

In the 2016 election, Mahama was defeated by current President Nana Akufo-Addo. The economy had worsened during Mahama’s second term, and many voters were frustrated by the power cuts and slow economic growth. In the years following his defeat, Mahama maintained a prominent role in Ghanaian politics, serving as the leader of the opposition. He also pursued his passion for writing, contributing to publications such as The New York Times and Ebony, and has continued to speak out on various political issues.

Now, Mahama is back on the campaign trail, hoping to win the presidency once again. He has frequently criticized Akufo-Addo’s handling of the economy, which has faced significant challenges under his leadership, including the worst economic crisis in decades. Mahama has also reminded Ghanaians of his extensive political experience and leadership during more stable times. In his current campaign, he has highlighted the country’s struggles and framed himself as the leader best equipped to turn things around.

Despite his political experience and communication skills, Mahama faces significant challenges. His previous tenure was marred by economic troubles, power shortages, and corruption scandals. While some voters still remember the progress made under his leadership, many others are wary of his return, given the public’s perception that his administration fell short in addressing critical issues. Mahama has attempted to reassure the electorate, arguing that he has learned from past mistakes and is ready to lead Ghana back to prosperity.

As he seeks a second term, Mahama is reminding voters that he is a seasoned politician with the knowledge and experience needed to navigate Ghana’s challenges. Whether he can overcome the public’s lingering concerns and win back the presidency remains to be seen. But Mahama’s campaign continues to focus on clear communication, extensive experience, and a promise to lead Ghana in a new direction.