President John Dramani Mahama in his inaugural speech has promised that he will do all within his power to defend and fast track Ghana's development.

He said with the support of Ghanaians, he shall work assiduously to enhance the nation's economic fortunes with the new resources at the country's disposal.

The President while calling on the citizenry to embrace unity and forge ahead as one people, cautioned that "complacency and frustration makes one feel irrelevant" in society.

He continued: "Regardless of an individual political, social or tribal affiliation, I will work hard to ensure we all have the opportunities available to us to grow.

…I will keep to my promises, I will not let Ghana down and I will work hard to consolidate Ghana's democratic values."

John Dramani Mahama said as President he will work to ensure a less polarized nation to improve the living conditions of the citizenry.

On his part, the AU Chairman and President of Benin, Dr Thomas Yayi Boni, thanked the people of Ghana for peaceful presidential and parliamentary polls. Dr Boni said Ghana as beacon of African's democracy must work hard to ensure that the existing peace is maintained.

Dignitaries including former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, AU Chairman and Benin President, Dr Thomas Boni-Yayi, President of Senegal, Macky Sall and Kenya Vice President, Dr Stephen Kalonza; President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan and several other Heads of State were in attendance.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor despite earlier agitation by supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) managed to find his way to the ceremonial grounds.

Former President Jerry Rawlings and wife Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings were also in attendance.

A large contingent of Ghanaians and other nationals also thronged to the square to witness the historic event, with millions watching around the world.