Name: John Dramani Mahama
Political Affiliation: National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Previous Positions/Portfolios Occupied:
- President of Ghana (2012 – 2017): Assumed office on July 24, 2012, following the death of President John Evans Atta Mills, and was subsequently elected in the December 2012 election. Served as the President until January 7, 2017.
- Vice President of Ghana (2009 – 2012): Served as Vice President under President John Evans Atta Mills from January 2009 until he assumed the presidency in July 2012.
- Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi (1997 – 2009): Represented the constituency in Parliament for over a decade, contributing to national policy discussions.
- Minister for Communications (1998 – 2001): Appointed as Minister of Communications after serving as Deputy Minister from 1997 to 1998. Oversaw the country’s telecommunications sector and digital policies.
Background: Mahama’s political career spans multiple decades, during which he rose through the ranks of the NDC to become its leader. As President, he was known for infrastructure development projects and initiatives to improve the nation’s energy sector. However, his administration faced criticism over economic challenges and allegations of corruption. He made history as the first Ghanaian President born after the country’s independence.
Mahama was the first Vice President to become President following the death of his predecessor, a significant moment in Ghana’s political history. He was elected in the 2012 presidential election but lost his re-election bid in 2016 to the NPP candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, making him the first sitting President to fail to secure a second term.