Ghana’s New President Nana Akufo-Addo Takes Oath

Ghana’s President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo sworn in Saturday into office peacefully amid presence of regional leaders and thousands of people dressed in red, blue and white colors of the New Patriotic Party in Accra’s Independence Square.

The new president said, “My government will provide the vision and shine the light for farmer and entrepreneurs to thrive in the country.”

The 72-year-old promised to improve Ghana’s economy under his leadership.

Akufo-Addo was earlier foreign minister and attorney general. The December 7 election was his third run for the highest office in the country. He defeated John Dramani Mahama withb largest margin for a presidential candidate since 1996.

The new president assured in his speech for the country he would deepen commitment to democracy in Ghana, which stands as a democratic model in West Africa.

On the sideline of the oath taking ceremony the leaders of the continent discussed the political crisis in Gambia, where defeated President Yahya Jammeh declines to step down.

Meanwhile, United States have asked Jammeh to step down on January 19 when his mandate ends.