[Photos] Colour & tradition meet politics as Ghana swears in President

An event that was largely billed to be political, had a deep touch of colour and tradition as Ghana’s new president took his oath of office after winning polls in December last year.

The Black Star square in Ghana’s capital, Accra, was the venue of the swearing-in ceremony for Ghana’s new president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his vice-president, Mahamudu Bawumia.

Akufo-Addo led the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 7 polls, defeating the then incumbent John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

A large number of people converged from all walks of life to witness the event. From former presidents across the continent, top diplomats and government representatives and ordinary members of the Ghanaian public not to forget the media.

We present a series of colourful pictures from the ceremony.

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo takes the oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony lead by Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood at Independence Square in Accra, Ghana

Ghana’s new President Nana Akufo-Addo inspects a military parade after the swearing in ceremony at Independence Square in Accra, Ghana

Ghana’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia is sworn in at the Independence square in Accra,Ghana

A traditional ruler is seen on arrival during the swearing-in of the Ghanian President elect Nana Akufo-Addo at the Independence square in Accra, Ghana

Traditional rulers are seen seated during the swearing-in of the Ghanian President elect Nana Akufo-Addo at the Independence square in Accra, Ghana

Drummers are seen beating their drums during the swearing-in of the Ghanian President elect Nana Akufo-Addo at the Independence square in Accra, Ghana

Supporters of Ghana’s President elect Nana Akufo-Addo wave flags during the swearing-in of the president at the Independence square in Accra, Ghana

A man stands with a gold statue staff during the swearing-in of the Ghanian President elect Nana Akufo-Addo at the Independence square Accra, Ghana

Ghana Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood swears in Ghanian Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia at the Independence square in Accra, Ghana

Ghana’s President elect Nana Akufo-Addo takes the oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony lead by Ghana Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood at Independence Square in Accra, Ghana

Our gallery of the event has a few more photos