What You Need to Know About John Mahama
John Dramani Mahama is a Ghanaian politician who served as the President of Ghana from 2012 to 2017. He is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and has been a key figure in Ghanaian politics for over two decades.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
John Mahama was born on November 29, 1958, in Damongo, Ghana. He is the son of Emmanuel Adama Mahama, a former Member of Parliament. Mahama received his primary education at the Achimota School in Accra and his secondary education at the Ghana Secondary Technical School in Takoradi. He then attended the University of Ghana, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1981. Mahama also earned a postgraduate diploma in communication studies from the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow in 1988.
CAREER
Mahama began his career as a history teacher at the secondary school level. He later worked as an information officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra. In 1996, Mahama was elected to the Parliament of Ghana, representing the Bole-Bamboi constituency. He served as the Deputy Minister of Communications from 1997 to 1998 and later became the Minister of Communications in 1998, serving until 2001.
PRESIDENCY
Mahama was elected as the Vice President of Ghana in 2008. After the death of President John Atta Mills in 2012, Mahama became the President of Ghana. He won the 2012 presidential election with 50.70% of the total valid votes cast. Mahama lost the 2016 presidential election to Nana Akufo-Addo and also lost the 2020 presidential election to Akufo-Addo.
PERSONAL LIFE
Mahama is married to Lordina Mahama, and they have seven children together. He is a Christian and a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Mahama has received several awards and honors, including:
- Order of the Volta (Ghana’s highest honor)
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Republic (Ivory Coast)
- Grand Officer of the Order of the Republic (Benin)
- Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Ghana
LEGACY
Mahama’s presidency was marked by significant infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges, and hospitals. He also implemented policies aimed at improving education and healthcare. However, his presidency was also marred by corruption scandals and economic challenges.
CONCLUSION
John Mahama is a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience in governance. His presidency was marked by significant achievements, but also challenges. As a key figure in Ghanaian politics, Mahama continues to play an important role in shaping the country’s future.
