President-elect John Dramani Mahama has vowed to restore Ghana’s position as the ‘Black Star of Africa,’ declaring that his upcoming term will be a legacy-driven effort to create lasting change before his planned retirement from politics.

Mr. Mahama was speaking on Friday, 13 December, during a visit from the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, who delivered a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping at the president-elect’s private residence in Accra.

Expressing his gratitude for the longstanding relationship between Ghana and China, Mahama assured the ambassador of continued collaboration and an open-door policy for consultation.

“We will continue to consult you. I am your son. You all have been very gracious with advice and good counsel. I have enjoyed working with you over the years, and nothing is going to change,” Mr. Mahama stated.

He further pledged to remain accessible to Chinese leaders and called for their support and prayers as he embarks on his second term.

“My doors will continue to be open. At any time that any of our leaders want to see me, the door will readily be open for you to come and consult with me, and so I would ask that you continue to offer your prayers,” he said.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Mr. Mahama emphasised his determination to tackle Ghana’s pressing issues and rebuild its international standing.

“The easy part is over, which is the elections. Now the difficult part begins, that is bringing Ghana back and restoring it to being the Black Star of Africa. I wish to assure you that I will give it my best,” he affirmed.

Mr. Mahama described his upcoming tenure as a critical opportunity to secure a positive legacy before stepping away from active politics.

“This is a legacy term for me, and it would be making a good name for myself before going into political retirement, and so you can count on me working as hard as I can to move Ghana to the place that it should be,” he added.