Vice President John Dramani Mahama sworn in as President of the Republic of Ghana

Mr John Dramani Mahama was on Tuesday night sworn into office as the President of the Republic of Ghana and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

He takes over from the late President Evans Atta Mills, who died at the 37 Military Hospital on Tuesday afternoon after a short illness.

As stipulated by Article 60(6) of the 1992 Constitution, Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Presidential Oath to the former Vice President, whom, overwhelmed with emotion and grief, solemnly took the Oath, pledging to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of Ghana.

President Mahama after taking and signing the oaths, paid tribute to the late President, expressing deep sorrow and describing the incidence as an “unprecedented tragedy”.

He said: “For the first time in the history of Ghana, we have lost a sitting president who worked tirelessly for his people”.

President Mahama said he never imagined that he would address the nation “in such a difficult circumstance” adding “the event is a tragic one that should maintain the unity and stability of the nation”.

He eulogised President Mills, referring to him as his mentor, father, friend and teacher, who dedicated himself to better the life of Ghanaians saying “he brought a distinctive insight into Ghanaian politics”.

“He was a good leader and the best tribute to him is to maintain the unity and stability of the nation” and thus there was the need for all flags fly at half mast for the next one week.