Former President John Dramani Mahama made waves online after appearing in a full ceremonial naval uniform at the graduation ceremony of Regular Career Course 63 officers at the Ghana Military Academy in Teshie.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces during his tenure, Mahama was a special guest at the prestigious event. His arrival was met with applause from attendees, some cheering in admiration of his presence, while others were visibly impressed by his distinguished appearance in uniform.
A widely shared video on X (formerly Twitter) captured the moment the former President stepped out of his vehicle to a wave of cheers. He then proceeded to the podium, where he exchanged pleasantries with other dignitaries before taking his seat.
The band’s rendition of the national anthem followed, with Mahama joining uniformed officers in a crisp salute—an act that drew praise for its symbolism and formality.
A Familiar Look, A Powerful Symbol
This is not the first time the statesman has donned military attire. In 2016, during his first term in office, Mahama wore similar regalia to commission the Naval Headquarters Complex at Burma Camp.
For many, the sight of a former president in ceremonial uniform evokes pride, discipline, and reverence for the armed forces. For others, it sparked discussion about leadership, symbolism, and legacy.
Social Media Reactions: Admiration and Debate
As expected, Ghanaian social media had a lot to say. X and Instagram were flooded with reactions ranging from heartfelt admiration to playful banter and political jabs.
Some users described the former president as “commanding,” “dashing,” and “presidential,” while others used the moment to make comparisons with current political leaders or revisit old debates.
Despite the mix of praise and criticism, one thing is clear—Mahama’s appearance in uniform once again reignited public conversation and showed the continued influence of symbolism in Ghanaian political life.
By Najat Adamu
