The White House has announced a four-member delegation to attend the inauguration of Ghana's President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, in Accra, Ghana. The delegation, led by Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, will attend the ceremony at the iconic Black Star Square on January 7, 2025.

The delegation also includes Virginia E. Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana; Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, California; and Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the White House's National Security Council. This marks a significant gesture of goodwill from the United States, as Mahama prepares to take office following his decisive victory in Ghana's December 7 elections.

Mahama's return to power is a historic comeback, as he defeated incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo, paving the way for his return to the Jubilee House after being voted out in 2017. The White House had previously extended its congratulations to Mahama shortly after his victory was announced, with a congratulatory message issued on behalf of Secretary of State Antony Blinken and signed by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

President-elect Mahama's primary focus is on reviving Ghana's economy, which he believes has suffered over the past eight years. During his campaign, Mahama's message centered on reviving Ghana's struggling economy and tackling unemployment. In an interview with VOA, he discussed his plans for job creation, school reform, and preserving the environment while allowing small-scale miners to make a living.

The United States is Ghana's largest bilateral development partner, investing over $145 million annually through USAID in agriculture, health, education, energy, and governance programs. The U.S. is also a key trading partner, with trade exceeding $1.2 billion. American investment remains robust, with 37 U.S. companies making new investments in Ghana over five years and 79 trade deals worth $800 million in the past year.

Ghana is also one of 13 African nations in the State Partnership Program, fostering collaboration between its armed forces and a U.S. state's National Guard. The inauguration ceremony marks an important milestone in the relationship between the two nations, as they look to strengthen their partnership in the years to come.

The delegation's attendance at Mahama's inauguration is a significant gesture of goodwill and cooperation, underscoring the importance of the US-Ghana partnership in promoting economic development, trade, and security in the region.