Biden Sends High-Level Delegation to Attend Mahama’s Inauguration in Accra

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced the formation of a distinguished Presidential Delegation to attend the inauguration of Ghana’s newly elected President, John Dramani Mahama, on January 7, 2025, in Accra.

In a statement released by the White House, President Biden confirmed that Shalanda D. Young, Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, will lead the delegation. Young’s leadership role highlights the United States’ continued commitment to strengthening its ties with Ghana.

The delegation will also include several prominent figures, underscoring the significance of the event. Virginia E. Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, who has been instrumental in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, will be part of the delegation. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a longstanding advocate for U.S.-Africa relations, and Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the White House National Security Council, will also attend.

The announcement follows the December 7, 2024, presidential elections, in which Mahama emerged victorious, defeating the incumbent Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia. This victory marks Mahama’s return to the presidency after serving from 2012 to 2017.

The U.S. delegation’s participation in Mahama’s inauguration is seen as a reaffirmation of Ghana’s democratic credentials and a symbol of the strong partnership between the United States and Ghana. The event is expected to further enhance bilateral ties and foster collaboration on various economic and security issues, with a focus on the broader African continent.