Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
- Born:
- March 29, 1944, Accra, Gold Coast (now Ghana)
- Nationality:
- Ghanaian
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Politician
Early Life and Education
- Educated at Government Boys School, Adabraka, and Rowe Road School (now Kinbu Senior High School), both in Accra Central.
- Attended Lancing College in Sussex, England.
- Obtained a BSc (Econ) degree from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1967.
- Studied law in the UK and was called to the English Bar (Middle Temple) in 1971.
- Called to the Ghana Bar in 1975.
Career and Major Achievements
- Practiced law in Ghana for several years.
- Co-founded the law firm Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co.
- Served as Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South constituency from 1997 to 2009.
- Appointed Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2001 to 2003.
- Served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2003 to 2007.
- Elected President of Ghana in 2016 and re-elected in 2020.
- Implemented policies such as Free Senior High School (Free SHS) and the One District, One Factory initiative.
Notable Works
- Significant contributions to legal and constitutional reforms in Ghana.
- Spearheaded initiatives to promote industrialization and economic development.
Legacy and Impact
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has left a significant legacy in Ghana, particularly through his emphasis on education, industrialization, and good governance. His policies have aimed at long-term sustainable development and improving the lives of Ghanaians.
John Dramani Mahama
- Born:
- November 29, 1958, Damongo, Ghana
- Nationality:
- Ghanaian
- Profession(s):
- Politician, Writer, Communicator
Early Life and Education
- Attended Achimota School and Ghana Secondary School, Tamale.
- Obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1981.
- Pursued postgraduate studies in Communication Studies at the University of Ghana.
- Also studied Social Psychology at the Institute of Social Sciences, Moscow.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as Information Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra.
- Served as Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi constituency from 1997 to 2009.
- Appointed Deputy Minister of Communications in 1997.
- Served as Minister of Communications from 1998 to 2001.
- Elected Vice-President of Ghana in 2009.
- Became President of Ghana in 2012 following the death of President John Atta Mills.
- Elected President in 2012 and served until 2017.
- Oversaw significant infrastructural development projects during his presidency.
Notable Works
- Authored the book "My First Coup d'État: Memories from the Lost Decades of Africa".
Legacy and Impact
John Dramani Mahama's presidency was characterized by a focus on infrastructure development and economic growth. His legacy also includes efforts to promote democratic governance and regional integration. He is still active in politics and considered a leading figure for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The biography of present ghana presidential candidates often includes him as a prominent contender.