Ghana marked a historic milestone in its democratic journey on Tuesday, December 16, 2024, as John Mahama was sworn in as President following a decisive electoral victory. His inauguration was not just a national celebration but also a reaffirmation of Ghana’s position as a beacon of democracy and stability amidst a region increasingly beset by coups and political instability. However, the event wasn’t without controversy, as it subtly underscored the growing tension between democratic governance and the rising tide of military authoritarianism in West Africa.
Mahama’s victory signifies more than just a political transition; it is a testament to Ghana’s growing democratic maturity. In unseating incumbent Mahamudu Bawumia, Mahama’s success became part of a broader trend of peaceful transitions in Africa, where in 2024 alone, Ghana joined the ranks of four other nations that witnessed power change hands via credible elections. In an era of rising autocratic tendencies, this is a powerful statement about the resilience of democracy.
The global importance of this achievement should not be understated. Mahama’s win provides fresh hope for the region, which has seen a worrying resurgence of military coups in recent years. Countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have veered away from democratic norms, making Ghana’s democratic continuity a much-needed counter-narrative. For Ghana, Mahama’s inauguration wasn’t just a celebration of governance—it was a declaration that democracy remains viable and strong in West Africa.
Yet the ceremony did not pass without controversy. It was Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, who unintentionally stole the spotlight. Attending the event in his trademark military fatigues with a pistol holstered at his side, Traore’s appearance raised eyebrows. In modern Ghanaian history, no visiting head of state has ever openly carried a weapon at a ceremonial event. His presence, overshadowed by the symbolic choice of carrying a firearm, sparked heated discussions across the region about diplomacy, trust, and power.
Security analysts like Vladimir Antwi-Danso were quick to point out the unusual nature of the incident. “It is the host nation’s responsibility to ensure the security of visiting dignitaries,” he argued, implying that Traore’s action may signal a lack of trust. Others, like Retired Colonel Festus Aboagye, downplayed the event, stating that as long as the weapon remained holstered, it posed no real threat. Nonetheless, the optics of a military leader bearing arms at a peaceful democratic occasion left an awkward impression, reflecting a subtle reminder of the growing influence of military power in West Africa.
Traore’s controversial appearance comes at a time when Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has distanced itself from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the alternative **Alliance of Sahel States**. This split highlights deepening divisions across the region, as democratic nations like Ghana reaffirm their commitment to electoral governance while military-led regimes pursue different alliances and priorities.
Burkina Faso’s internal struggles further complicate the picture. Traore’s administration faces immense challenges, from combating jihadist insurgencies to managing strained relations with some democratic neighbors. Ghana’s former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, previously accused Traore’s government of collaborating with Russian mercenary groups, a claim that escalated already-tense diplomatic relations. Traore’s attendance at Mahama’s inauguration—with a sidearm in full view—added an unspoken layer of tension, vividly illustrating the region’s stark contrast between democratic and authoritarian ideologies.
West Africa stands at a crossroads, grappling with the coexistence of democracy and militarism. ECOWAS, historically a symbol of regional unity and stability, now struggles to maintain its influence amid these growing rifts. Against this backdrop, John Mahama’s leadership offers a glimmer of hope. His victory demonstrates the enduring power of the ballot box in a region where the gun often threatens to overshadow governance.
Nonetheless, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Ghana’s continued triumph as a democratic role model will be critical in inspiring its neighbors to stay the course. Meanwhile, regional bodies, international partners, and individual nations must address the root causes of military takeovers—economic frustrations, insecurity, and governance failures—if they wish to restore stability across the Sahel and beyond.
