John Dramani Mahama is a Ghanaian politician who is currently serving his second, non-consecutive term as the 14th President of Ghana. He previously held the presidency from 2012 to 2017. A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), he is known for his extensive political career and for being the first Ghanaian head of state to be born after Ghana’s independence.

Early life and education

John Mahama was born on November 29, 1958 in Damongo, Ghana, into a family with political prominence. He is from the Gonja ethnic group in the Savanna Region of Ghana; his hometown is Bole.

After attending Achimota School and Ghana Secondary School, he earned degrees from the University of Ghana and the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow. He worked in teaching, at the Japanese Embassy in Accra, and for Plan International.

Political career

Mahama was elected to the Parliament of Ghana in 1996 and served three terms, including as Minister of Communications. From 2009 to 2012, he served as Vice President. He became president following the death of President Atta Mills in 2012 and won the 2012 election. His first presidential term faced economic and energy challenges, leading to his defeat in 2016.

Mahama won the 2024 presidential election against Mahamudu Bawumia and began his second non-consecutive term in January 2025. His initial actions in his current term include ordering investigations into the National Cathedral project and suspending the Chief Justice.

Written works and international roles: In 2012, Mahama published a memoir. He has also held roles in international bodies like ECOWAS and the Pan-African Parliament.

Personal Life: John Mahama has been married to Lordina Mahama since 1992. She served as First Lady during his previous term from 2012 to 2017 and became First Lady again in January 2025. They have five children together: Shafik, Shahid, Sharaf, Jesse, and Farida.

Net Worth and Salary: John Mahama has an estimated net worth of $10 million approximately ₵120 million.As of 2024, the President of Ghana receives an annual salary of about GHS 934,800, or over $76,000, according to figures released ahead of the 2024 election. This figure represents the base pay and does not include other benefits and allowances such as housing, transportation, and security, which would increase the overall compensation package.