9 Key Takeaways from Mahama’s Victory Speech

After winning the 2024 presidential election, John Dramani Mahama gave a speech to the people of Ghana. Here are the 9 key things he talked about:

9. Rebuilding the Relationship Between Citizens and Leaders

Mahama talked about fixing the relationship between the people and the government. He said, “We have to start with a reset of the relationship between citizens and elected officials.” Mahama promised that his government would work to regain the trust of the people. He added, “We are determined to work together with you to build the Ghana we want.”

8. Creating Jobs Through the 24-Hour Economy

Mahama introduced his plan for a "24-hour economy" to help Ghanaians get more jobs. He said, “We must create sustainable and well-paying jobs through the 24-hour economy initiative.” This idea, according to him, will help provide people with their basic needs, like “affordable housing and health care, Food and clean water, Safe work and fair wages.”

7. No Discrimination in Development

Mahama spoke about the importance of unity and making sure that the government works for everyone. He said, “This country, this land, is not for one person, or for one family, or for one tribe or ethnic group. This country, this beautiful, resilient and resource-rich country that we so love, Ghana, is for all of us.” He reminded Ghanaians that the country belongs to everyone, no matter where they come from. He added, “Sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, are in fact our nation's greatest resource.” He also stated that he would work for the good of everyone Ghanaian regardless of the political party they support “I promise you that I will assemble and lead a government that will carry the weight of those hopes and dreams, whether you voted for me or not, because every victory is a victory for the people, all of the people”

6. Rejecting Violence and Destruction

Mahama also called for peace and unity, especially after some reports of anger and vandalism. He said, “I urge you not to vent your frustration in criminal enterprise.” Instead of violence, he asked Ghanaians to use their energy for good, saying, “Let us channel our anger and frustration into the positive enterprise of resetting and rebuilding our nation.”

5. Making the Changes Ghana Needs

Mahama also talked about the big changes he plans to make to fix Ghana’s problems. He said, “We would be initiating important governance reforms and sometimes initiate severe measures in the next four years to reset our nation.” He’s determined to get Ghana back on track and make it the shining star of Africa again.

4. The Journey Won't be Easy

Mahama acknowledged that the road ahead will be a walk in the park, especially after the challenges caused by under the NPP governance in these 8 years. “The journey is not going to be easy, my brothers and sisters, because the outgoing government has plunged our dear nation into an abyss,” he admitted. But he’s not backing down. “However, we are determined to work together with you to build the Ghana we want, and I am certain that we shall win the battle,” he said confidently. He promised that his government will work hard to restore people’s faith in the country’s political system. “We intend to work together to restore the shattered confidence in our politics and governance system,” he said.

3. Learning from the NPP’s Mistakes

Mahama made it clear that his victory was a response to the poor leadership of the NPP over the last eight years. He said, “It shows that the Ghanaian people have little tolerance for bad governance, particularly what we have witnessed in the last eight years.” Reflecting on the struggles under the NPP administration, he noted, “These eight years have witnessed some of the darkest periods of our governance.” He also admitted that healing the damage caused will take time, saying, “The crisis our beloved country has been through these last several years has left a scar on our national psyche, which may take some time to erase.”

2. Mahama Cautions NDC to Serve the People

Mahama warned his party members, the NDC, not to fall into the same mistakes as the NPP. He emphasized that this victory is a reminder of what could happen if they fail to serve the people properly. He said, “This mandate also serves as a constant reminder of what fate awaits us if we fail to meet the aspirations of our people and govern with arrogance.”

1. Smooth Transition with NPP Leadership

Mahama emphasized that there is no tension between the NDC and NPP, stating that he has already spoken with both Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. “I just received a call from His Excellency, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He graciously extended his congratulations to me, and we had the opportunity to discuss matters related to the Joint Transitional Team,” Mahama said. He confirmed that both leaders agreed on a swift transition, with the inauguration of the Joint Transitional Team set for December 11th.