Young members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) put on a theatrical and symbolic performance to honor John Dramani Mahama's inauguration. As a powerful gesture, they led a colorful procession through the streets with a casket draped with an elephant effigy, which is a clear representation of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The young people's action conveyed their belief in the start of a new political era under Mahama's rule in addition to celebrating his leadership. As a symbol of the NPP, the elephant was positioned on top of the coffin to represent the "end of the NPP’s reign" in Ghanaian politics, according to the NDC youth.


As they enthusiastically danced and sang in the streets amid chants of victory, supporters wearing NDC colors showed their hope for Mahama's presidency. The young demonstrated their willingness to support the administration's objectives, which was another powerful demonstration of support for his leadership.

According to an NDC youth organizer who spoke to reporters, the coffin symbolizes the burial of the former government's corruption, poor administration, and broken promises. The NPP is symbolized by the elephant, which we are burying today as we begin a new age of development under President Mahama.

While the display was met with some controversy, particularly from NPP critics who deemed it provocative, many NDC supporters defended the gesture as a harmless, symbolic expression of political rivalry. On social media, the image of the coffin with the elephant sparked widespread debate, with some praising the creativity behind the act, while others questioned whether such symbolic gestures could promote productive political dialogue.

Regardless of the divisive opinions, the event drew significant attention, adding to the excitement surrounding Mahama's inauguration. For the NDC youth, the symbolic burial of the elephant was more than a celebration—it was a call for the new administration to address pressing issues facing the nation.

As Mahama embarks on his second term, the bold gesture by the NDC youth sets a high bar for his leadership, marking the beginning of an era filled with optimism and a renewed sense of political engagement. Whether this symbolic gesture translates into meaningful change remains to be seen, but it has certainly shaped the tone of his presidency.