Stories and facts
John Dramani Mahama, born on November 29, 1958, is a Ghanaian politician who served as the President of Ghana from July 24, 2012, to January 7, 2017. Prior to his presidency, he held the position of Vice President of Ghana from January 2009 to July 2012. Mahama, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), represented the Bole Bamboi Constituency in Parliament from 1997 to 2009.
Mahama, who comes from the Gonja ethnic group in the Savanna Region of Ghana, had a privileged upbringing. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, was a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, serving as the first Member of Parliament for the West Gonja constituency and the first Regional Commissioner of the Northern Region during the First Republic.
Educationally, Mahama attended the University of Ghana, Legon, earning a bachelor's degree in history in 1981 and a postgraduate diploma in communication studies in 1986. He furthered his studies in Moscow, specializing in social psychology, and obtained a postgraduate degree in 1988.
Before entering politics, Mahama taught history at the secondary school level and worked as the Information, Culture, and Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra. He also contributed to the anti-poverty NGO Plan International's Ghana Country Office.
Mahama's political journey began in 1996 when he was elected to the Parliament of Ghana, representing the Bole/Bamboi Constituency. Over the years, he held various positions within the NDC, including Deputy Minister of Communications, Minister of Communications, and Director of Communications.
Following the death of President John Evans Atta Mills in 2012, Mahama, as Vice President, assumed the presidency, making history as the first Ghanaian head of state born after the country's independence. He won the December 2012 general election, securing 50.70% of the total valid votes cast.
During his presidency, Mahama focused on the Better Ghana Agenda, emphasizing economic development and social initiatives. In 2016, he sought re-election but was defeated by Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party. Mahama conceded defeat, marking the first time a Ghanaian president did not secure a second term.
In February 2019, Mahama became the National Democratic Congress's candidate for the 2020 elections but was defeated by incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo. He continued his involvement in national affairs, embarking on a 'Thank you tour' in 2021.
In May 2023, Mahama emerged as the NDC's candidate for the 2024 General elections, winning the presidential primary with 98.9% of the votes.
Mahama is married to Lordina Mahama, and they have five children. He is recognized for his advocacy in sustainability and environmental issues. Despite facing corruption allegations during his presidency, Mahama has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to Ghanaian and African development.
In February 2017, Mahama received the African Political Leader of the Year Award, and in October 2022, Liberty University honored him with a Global Leadership and Economic Impact Award for his achievements in economic development, women's education, and overall economic growth.
