Stories and facts

On July 24, 2012, Ghana plunged into mourning when President John Evans Atta Mills died suddenly at 68, leaving the nation to turn to Vice President John Dramani Mahama as Acting President under the 1992 Constitution.

The country then held scheduled elections that December, where Mahama secured a narrow victory with 50.70% of votes against Nana Akufo-Addo's 47.74% amid claims of irregularities.

The NPP, rejecting the Electoral Commission's tally, cited over-voting, missing pink sheets, and procedural flaws, filed a Supreme Court petition days before the inauguration.

Tensions peaked as party leaders Akufo-Addo, Bawumia, and Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, the then chairman of the NPP, announced a full boycott of the January 7, 2013, ceremony at Independence Square, deeming it illegitimate; most NPP MPs stayed away in solidarity.

Under tight security and with international dignitaries present, Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood administered the oaths to Mahama and Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur.

NDC supporters, traditional leaders, and clergy filled the square as Mahama pledged to honour Mills' legacy and build a "Better Ghana," marking his formal entry as elected President despite the empty opposition seats.

Explore this collection to learn more about the Ghanaian Presidents to have served under the Fourth Republic.