Cheers to death: Meet the three African vice presidents who became presidents on a silver platter

John Dramani Mahama, Ghana

On 7 January 2009, John Dramani Mahama became the Vice President of Ghana, remaining in the post until President John Atta Mills’ untimely death on 24 July 2012, when, in line with Ghana’s Constitution, he became President of the Republic.

In December 2012, he was elected President of Ghana for a four-year term. He thus made political history by becoming the first Ghanaian head of state to have been born after Ghana’s declaration of independence on 6 March 1957.

RELATED STORIES

War of the waters: How the River Nile is a source of serious tension among African countries

Crackdown on civil society in Africa contributing to migrant crisis facing the world. Here’s why

Did you know that former Zimbabwean president Canaan Banana passed a law to ban jokes about his name?

Five African coups that have proven to be the most painful for its people

During his entire life and throughout his political career, President Mahama was a “champion of the underprivileged, fighting for them against all sorts of bullies; a unifier, moving above tribal politics; a strong supporter of public education for all; and a visionary, seeking to transform Ghana in fundamental ways,” according to his website.

President Akufo-Addo defeated Mahama in 2016 when he sought re-election. He’s however not giving up as he’s set to contest the elections again in 2020.