John Dramani Mahama, former President of Ghana, is a prominent figure in the country's political landscape. His journey from humble beginnings to the highest office in the land is a story of determination, service, and a commitment to national development. This blog post explores Mahama's life, career, and legacy, delving into his education, ascent to the presidency, and his stance on important national issues.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 29, 1958, in Damongo, in the Northern Region of Ghana, Mahama came from a family with a strong political background.His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, was the first Member of Parliament for the West Gonja constituency and served as a regional commissioner during Ghana's first republic.
Mahama received his early education at Achimota School in Accra and later attended Ghana Secondary School (now Ghana Senior High School) in Tamale.He then pursued higher education at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in History in 1981.After completing his undergraduate studies, he worked as a history teacher before embarking on postgraduate studies at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow, Russia, where he specialized in social psychology and obtained a postgraduate diploma in 1986.
A Career in Service
Upon returning to Ghana, Mahama worked as an Information, Culture, and Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra from 1991 to 1995.His entry into active politics came in 1996 when he was elected to Parliament to represent the Bole/Bamboi constituency on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).He was re-elected in 2000 and 2004.
During his time in Parliament, Mahama held several key positions, including Minister for Communications from 1998 to 2001. His background in communication studies and his experience in government made him a valuable asset to the NDC, and in 2008, he was chosen as the running mate for Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the party's presidential candidate.
The Road to the Presidency
Following the NDC's victory in the 2008 elections, John Mahama was sworn in as Vice President of Ghana on January 7, 2009. His tenure as Vice President was characterized by a focus on economic development, social programs, and diplomatic engagements.
Tragedy struck Ghana on July 24, 2012, when President Atta Mills passed away unexpectedly. In accordance with the constitution, Vice President Mahama was immediately sworn in as the President of Ghana. He completed the remaining term of President Mills and subsequently ran for president in the 2012 general elections, which he won. He served a full four-year term as President from 2013 to 2017.
Legacy and Major Achievements
John Mahama's presidency was marked by efforts to improve infrastructure, expand access to social services, and strengthen Ghana's economy. His administration invested heavily in road construction, power generation, and the expansion of the telecommunications network. These initiatives aimed to boost economic growth and improve the living standards of Ghanaians.
In the area of social services, Mahama's government focused on improving education and healthcare. The construction of new schools and hospitals, as well as the implementation of various health insurance schemes, were key priorities. His administration also made strides in the fight against poverty, implementing programs to support vulnerable groups and promote rural development.
Controversies and Reparations
While John Mahama's presidency saw significant progress in various sectors, it was not without controversies. His administration faced criticism regarding economic management, corruption allegations, and the handling of certain social issues. However, he also championed causes that resonated with many Ghanaians.
Regarding reparations, it is crucial to clarify that the current administration in Ghana, led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been actively engaged in international discourse about reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. This effort, supported by the African Union, focuses on seeking compensation for the historical injustices inflicted upon African peoples. There is no substantial evidence suggesting that John Mahama, as former President or in his current capacity, is actively advocating for Ghana to receive reparations specifically from the Asante Empire's historical role in the slave trade. The focus of the broader reparations movement remains on holding those nations and institutions that historically benefited from the slave trade accountable.
Conclusion
John Dramani Mahama's journey from a teacher to the President of Ghana is a testament to his dedication to public service and his commitment to national development. His legacy, characterized by a focus on infrastructure, social services, and economic growth, continues to shape Ghana's political landscape. While his presidency faced challenges, his contributions to the country's development are undeniable. As Ghana continues on its path of progress, the story of John Mahama's life and career will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future generations of leaders.
“The entire transatlantic slave trade was designed to deny African people their humanity.” - President John Mahama of Ghana 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/zHu47oAgnx
"Let it be recorded that when history beckoned, we did what was right for the memory of the millions who suffered the indignity of slavery. Let our vote on this resolution restore their dignity and humanity." - President John Dramani Mahama #RememberingSlaverypic.twitter.com/kcIrKhukt5
Was California a slave state? Officially, no. But did significant harm and systemic racism occur within its borders, justifying lineage-based reparations? The data says yes.While California entered as a free union state in 1850, its early years were marked by discriminatory laws. The 1852 Fugitive Slave Act, for example, enabled the enslavement of Black individuals and denied refuge to those seeking freedom, leaving a legacy of inequality. (Source: "Root of the Problem: How anti-Black racism and California law forged slavery" by Kyle T. Mays, UC Berkeley Press)
Data shows significant disparities. In 1860, Black homeownership rates were 25% lower than those of white residents. (Source: "Final Report" - California Reparations Task Force, 2023).
The lasting legacy of lineage-based reparations involves addressing historical harms and modern impacts, building a foundation for fairness.
To learn more and support lineage-based reparations, visit CJEC.
“Slavery built the nation, stop telling black people to get over it, you can’t tell the Jews to get over the holocaust. Slavery built this nation”. pic.twitter.com/StZlCL8z4k
So it begins. Not being able to deny that Foundational Black Americans should get Reparations for the evils done against us iin the West, some are trying to keep people from finding out how they are related and how they have been affected by slavery by putting our history and identity behind a paywall.
This Foundational Black American Sista is speaking facts! We shouldn’t have to pay for records of our enslaved family members—it’s a form of ancestral enslavement pic.twitter.com/8AFV6SptwN
Well it is October 2019, almost a year out to the next Presidential Election. One of issues already becoming polarizing is the issue of whether or not the United States should pay Reparations to African-Americans who are descendants of slaves? As a nation we can't seem to agree and even more baffling to me is that not all African-Americans agree one way or another. I have to admit that being a direct descendant of several slaves makes me see this in a certain kind of way from people who are not African-American and I should not expect everyone to see this the way I do. That being said, many of the arguments I have heard people use has just blew me away because of how utterly untrue or nonsensical they are from my point of view.
I wanted to write this post to explore some of those ideas and why I think they don't make sense.
I would answer the above question with YES, the United States should pay some sort of reparations due to how descendants of slaves have suffered due to institutionalized racism and slavery itself. True, not all people would answer this question as I have. I also need to point out that I am not advocating for each one of us to get a check. I don't really know what the best from of reparations should be but I would not rule out money. I think we have to first have the discussion and agree that it is right and necessary. This is going to be the hard part. For example, checkout Burgess Owens in the following video "Why I don't want and Don't Deserve Reparations".
Obviously, I disagree with Mr. Owens, but I believe I understand what he is saying. As amazing as it sounds you can live in this country in a bubble where the evil of racism and the ramifications of slavery don't affect you that much even if you are black. You can be successful and wealthy and have opportunities to achieve levels that would have been undreamed of by our people in generations past. And to that, I say "Thank God!".
But don't we have a responsibility to the majority of our brothers and sisters who don't get those opportunities? Given that all the statistics and numbers show that Americans who are descendants of those who were brought here against their will in chains do not have the same opportunities and the same resources as those who are not descended from slaves. I think that most people would agree that the poorest places in America - the ones with really bad schools, high crime, drugs, high unemployment, and just all-around poverty are populated by people who were descended from slaves. You can be born into poverty just like some people are born into wealth.
Many of the points Mr Owens raised are the same arguments against reparations that I hear white people use. Just looking at a few of them, I can't believe people say them with a straight face.
1. They claim that it takes away the responsibility of black people to own up to the issues in their lives and stop blaming others.
I don't know everything but even I'm not naive enough to think if we got rid of all racism all my problems and the problems of all black people will go away. Slavery and its legacy, as well as discrimination, segregation, personal and institutionalized racism are not good enough excuses to not make the best of whatever talents and resources that I do have. This is not about trying to take stuff from what other people have earned. For me this about "leveling the playing field" - the resources and opportunities available to everyone whether you have money and access or not.
2. It destroys the dignity of black people and makes them victims.
I was amazed the first time I read the Constitution. We are taught to love it. We are taught to respect it. But if you read it, you realized that if you are Black, Female, or not wealthy it was not written with you in mind. Remember women were not allowed to vote. And Black men were counted as 3/5 person so that the southern states could still kinda use their slave population as an excuse for greater representation in the House of Representatives. The truth is for Black people in the United States if you succeeded in life positively contributing to society - any kind of way - you did it despite American "democracy". Simply put: God blessed you in spite of institutions hell-bent to keep victimized, if not outright destroying you. Truth be told, it is no different today.
Like Mr Owens, I come from a long line of Men and Women who didn't let slavery and racism stop them from doing somethings great with their lives. I stand on their shoulders. But just because we have people who learned how to get around obstacles in their way, I see no reason to add more obstacle and to not remove unfair ones.
Needing a hand up out of your circumstances is not being a victim, especially when you are facing circumstances not of your own making. And some of the circumstances people find themselves are because of their skin color and racism.
3. The Civil War was enough to make up for the sin of slavery.
Given all the families that slavery destroyed. All the people who suffered and died for no other reason than the color of their skin during slavery and afterwards, the Civil War was not restitution. Just the beginning of judgment. I am angry. It was not right. It was not justice. Black slaves were treated worst than pack animals in some cases. Some were medically experimented on during slavery and afterward. This is all indisputable. And the atrocities against black people did not end with slavery.
Somebody should pay for this. The Civil War does not even begin to cover it, because the evil did not end with slavery.
4. I was never a slave so I don't deserve to be paid for work I didn't do.
NO ONE achieves anything on their own. We are always standing on someone else's shoulder. I see no difference between people inheriting wealth and getting what your ancestors should have gotten through their work They built this country like everyone else, but many of them didn't get to share in results of their labor. Paul wrote.
For who makes you different from anyone else? What do youhavethat youdidnotreceive? And if youdidreceive it, why do you boast as though youdidnot? - 1 Corinthians 4:7
Owens' used the story of his Great-Grandfather to make his point so I will also appeal to my fore bearers. Mary and Lewis Lucas were my Great-Great Grandparents. They were born in slavery in southern Georgia and they were slaves for about 30 years. Towards the end of the Civil War, they were sold away from one another. This happened to a lot of slaves, but fortunately they were blessed to find each other again after the war ended. Not everyone was able to re-unite their families. I am especially grateful because although they had many children, my Great-Grandmother, Cynthia, was born after they were re-united. Had they not found each other and resumed their life together, I would not be here today...as well as hundreds of other people (I have a really large family). I tell this story, because of the suffering they went through but they didn't let any of that stop them from building good moral lives, All that being said, why should they have worked all those years for nothing? Some of what they would have earned would have been passed down to me and my generation anyway. It's about justice and just what is right.
5. I do not deserve to get money I didn't earn from other people's hard work.
Who said reparations have to be money of some amount paid to individuals? Not I. It could take a myriad of forms: tax beaks? Scholarships? Free-ride education to deserving and willing descendants of slaves? I do not know. But we can and should do something.
I want to turn to something else. Why is it that other persecuted groups that have suffered unfair treatment and persecution have had reparations paid to them, but descendants of African slaves in America have not gotten a thing but more racism? Take a look at the following graphic.
I realize some people might look at chart above and dispute the numbers or what not, but the question I asked is relevant as long as the United States has paid reparations to any group at any time it has treated them unjustly. I think without question we would all have to agree that the United States not only apologized for interning people of Japanese descent (including legal citizens) due to bigotry and fear but they and their descendants got money as well. I agree they should be compensated. And the US would never ever let any thing like this happen again,,,,oh...yeah...nevermind.
So did Japanese-Americans suffer more in their internment camps than the Jews did in the Nazi concentration camps? Did they suffer more than African-Americans did during the Middle-Passage, Slavery, Jim Crow segregation, lynching, and all the red-lining and gentrification going on to this day? Did they get reparations because they deserved it more? It's unjust to do these kinds of things to white people but okay to do it to Black people? I hope no one would say that they deserved it more. So then why do reparation for the others but not Black Americans descended for slaves?
This is a complex issue, but it is important. Answering it shows what kind of place America truly is. Is it really the "land of the free"? But it truly is the "home of the brave" because you have to be brave to make it here if you are not wealthy and white because again American institutions are not set up for everyone to succeed but instead actively tries to ensure failure and no upward mobility for a few types of people from jump. For many African-Americans, reparations could be a tool to help them take the share of the American Dream our ancestors dreamed of even while they still were in chains. And for the rest of America, reparations is an opportunity to quit pretending to be fair and balanced and open but truly live up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. You know...the stuff Captain America stands for?
One last example for why we must be prepared to make radical changes in society to fix the brokenness of our institutions because of the racism baked into them is to look no farther than the "Star Spangled Banner" - the National Anthem. Ever wonder why we never really sing the third stanza in public very often? Read it for yourself.
"O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, A home and a country, should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation. Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.' And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"
Francis Scott Key was a racist individual he although he was moved to write this, he still felt the need to take a swipe at Black slaves who wanted to fight for their freedom, although the battle he was watching had nothing to do with slavery. Read an article by Jeffery Robinson giving more detail. But this is an example of how ingrained in America racism is to the degree that we ask have to ask the question "Should the United State make restitution for Slavery?" and seriously come up with reasons why not because the people who were directly harmed by it are black.
