On his inauguration day as the 6th President of Ghana in the 4th Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama made a bold fashion statement, donning a stunning all-white caftan adorned with intricate Kente cloth designs. The outfit, featured significant Adinkra symbols prominently displayed on the front.
The Kente symbols on President Mahama’s caftan held deep meaning and significance.
The meaning of the Kente design is “EMMERE PA DA W’ANIM” which means Better Days Ahead.
This design put on the white caftan makes a bold statement that there are better days ahead and there’s a new hope for Ghanaians.
Bellow are the Adinkra symbols which featured in front of his dress and their respective meanings:
NYAME DUA (TREE OF GOD): representation of the Tree of Life, purification, blessings, and God’s presence and protection.
GYE NYAME (THE OMNIPOTENCE OF GOD)indicates the recognition of the supremacy of God over all beings, and therefore is the one that is feared and revered by all.
SANKOFA (RETURN & TAKE IT)the famous Akan proverb says “Sankofa y3 nnkyini” to wit ” it is not a taboo to return and take it”. Sankofa on the president’s regalia represents the idea of learning from the past to prepare for the future.
This shows that His Excellency John Mahama will gather all the experience from beign a former president, to beign in opposition to help him make better decisions now that Ghanaians has brought him back.
DWENNIMMEN (HUMILITY AND STRENGTH) represents the importance of humility and strength, and the idea that even the strong should be humble.
The incorporation of Kente cloth into the President’s attire was a thoughtful nod to Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
President Mahama’s inauguration ceremony, held at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic history.
As he took the oath of office, President Mahama signaled a new era of leadership, one that would build upon Ghana’s progress while embracing its rich cultural identity.
