John Dramani Mahama, one of Ghana’s most seasoned politicians, is making another bid to lead his country. Having served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017, Mahama’s political career spans decades and includes roles as a Member of Parliament, deputy minister, minister, vice-president, and president. With a background deeply rooted in politics and a flair for communication, Mahama’s journey is one of resilience, personal trials, and a relentless drive to serve his nation.
Born in 1958 in Damongo, a town in northern Ghana, Mahama’s childhood was shaped by the political turbulence of the time. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, was a prominent government minister who was imprisoned during a military coup when Mahama was just seven years old. Later, his father went into exile following another coup in 1981. These early experiences of political upheaval left a lasting impression on the young Mahama and inspired his political ambitions.
Mahama spent his formative years at Achimota School, one of Ghana’s most prestigious institutions. It was during his time there in 1966 that he witnessed the military overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. The anxiety and uncertainty of that period, coupled with his father’s imprisonment, deeply impacted him. These events are chronicled in his memoir, *My First Coup d'Etat*, which received praise from African literary giants like Chinua Achebe and Ngugi wa Thiong'o.
After completing his education in Ghana, Mahama pursued a degree in Communication Studies at the University of Ghana. He later studied at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow, where he gained insights into the complexities of socialism. This period broadened his worldview and sharpened his political acumen.
Mahama entered politics in 1996, following in his father’s footsteps. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and quickly rose through the ranks, taking on roles as the parliamentary spokesperson and minister for communication. His strong communication skills and pragmatic approach earned him recognition within the party, and in 2009, he was appointed vice-president under President John Atta Mills.
In 2012, Mahama’s life took an unexpected turn when President Mills passed away. Mahama, then vice-president, was sworn in as president, describing it as the “saddest day in Ghana’s history.” Later that year, he contested the general elections and won, securing his position as Ghana’s leader.
During his presidency, Mahama prioritized infrastructure development, with significant investments in transportation, health, and education. However, his tenure was marred by economic challenges and widespread power outages, earning him the nickname "Mr. Dumsor"—a reference to the local Twi words for "off" and "on." Corruption scandals, such as allegations involving Airbus, also clouded his administration. Although no direct evidence implicated Mahama in wrongdoing, these controversies lingered in the public consciousness.
In 2016, Mahama lost his bid for re-election to Nana Akufo-Addo, as voters grew dissatisfied with the state of the economy and governance under his leadership. Undeterred, he remained active in politics, serving as the leader of the opposition and preparing for another shot at the presidency.
Mahama’s critics argue that his previous administration's shortcomings, including corruption scandals and economic struggles, make him an unsuitable candidate for a comeback. However, his supporters highlight his extensive experience, pragmatic leadership style, and ability to communicate effectively. Notably, Mahama’s administration achieved a higher score on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index than his successor’s government.
Beyond politics, Mahama is a prolific writer and a passionate advocate for culture and the arts. His memoir provides a vivid account of his life and the socio-political landscape of Ghana. Mahama has also written articles for international outlets like *The New York Times* and *Ebony* magazine. He credits music legends such as Fela Kuti and Michael Jackson for influencing his political and artistic sensibilities.
Mahama's personal life is equally vibrant. He is a family man with seven children and a supportive wife, Lordina. Despite the demands of his political career, he maintains a close connection with his family and cultural roots. His achievements and personality have even inspired creative works, such as Shatta Wale's popular song *Mahama Paper*, which the former president has embraced during his current campaign.
As Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections, Mahama faces the challenge of convincing voters that his leadership will be different this time. His campaign focuses on addressing Ghana's current economic crisis and highlighting his extensive political experience. Mahama believes the country is on the wrong trajectory and needs "rescuing," a message he hopes will resonate with Ghanaians.
Whether his pragmatic leadership style and communication prowess will win over the electorate remains to be seen. For Mahama, this election represents not just a political ambition but a personal mission to shape Ghana’s future and solidify his legacy as a leader who dared to return when the stakes were highest.
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