President Joseph R. Biden Jr. has named a high-level U.S. delegation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Accra.

Leading the delegation will be Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, according to a statement from the White House.

“The President today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the inauguration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on 7th January 2025 in Accra, Ghana.

The Honourable Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, will lead the delegation,” the statement read.

Members of the U.S. Delegation

The delegation includes notable officials:

The Honourable Virginia E. Palmer, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana. The Honourable Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, California. The Honourable Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council, The White House.

The inauguration ceremony, to be held at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, marks a historic return to power for Mr. Mahama following his decisive victory in Ghana’s December 7 elections.

Outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will officially hand over power to Mr. Mahama during the event, which is expected to attract global dignitaries and highlight Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.

President-elect Mahama has pledged to initiate a transformative agenda for Ghana.

Key elements of his policy framework include:

Establishing a 24-hour economy to stimulate job creation and economic growth. Launching a Women Development Bank to support female entrepreneurs with low-interest loans. Implementing reforms to improve accessibility to tertiary education, especially for vulnerable groups.

The inauguration is set to celebrate Ghana’s democratic maturity and underscore its commitment to peaceful transitions of power, reinforcing its standing as a stable and progressive nation in the region.