Ghana's John Mahama was sworn in as president at a colourful ceremony in the capital, Accra, on Tuesday.

He takes over from outgoing president Nana Akufo-Addo, who served two terms in power, the last of which was marked by Ghana's worst economic turmoil in years, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout and a default.

Mahama won 56% of the vote in the nation's December 9 presidential election, defeating ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41%.

Mahama's four-year term is his second full stint in Ghana's top job, having previously served between 2013 and 2017.

He took the oath of office at Accra's Black Star Square, cheered on by thousands of Ghanaians.

"I John Dramani Mahama, do, in the name of the almighty God swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Ghana as by law established that I would uphold the sovereignty and integrity of Ghana," he said, taking his oath of office administered by the Chief Justice of Ghana.

"And that I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the Republic of Ghana, so help me God."

Mahama's deputy, Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, also took the oath of office as Ghana's first-ever female vice president. Her assumption of office is seen as a major........

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