With their son, John Dramani Mahama, Emmanuel Mahama and Abiba Nnaba in Ghana have seen their aspirations of seeing their children succeed come true.

As an Assemblyman, Member of Parliament (MP), Deputy Minister, Minister, Vice President, and finally President, he is the only Ghanaian to have completed every level of a political career. The father of John Mahama, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, was a politician, a rice farmer, and a teacher. Prior to being a top counselor to President Hilla Limann, he was Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's first Minister for the Northern Region. He was the first Member of Parliament to represent the West Gonja constituency.


An important part of raising their children and encouraging their goals was done by John's mother, Abiba Nnaba. Emmanuel and Abiba Mahama established a solid foundation together, which allowed John to develop into one of Ghana's most well-known leaders.

Early in life, John Mahama split his time between Accra, where he eventually joined his father, and Damongo, where he resided with his mother. His accomplishments demonstrate how his success was shaped by the strong support and direction of his parents.

Key Roles Held by John Dramani Mahama

1. President of Ghana (2012–2017, 2025–2029)

John Mahama assumed the presidency after John Atta Mills passed away in 2012, serving until January 2017. He has since been re-elected and is set to serve as President until January 2029.

2. Vice President (2009–2012)

Prior to his presidency, he served as Vice President under John Atta Mills.

3. Minister of Communications (1998–2001)

During Jerry Rawlings’ presidency, Mahama played a key role in modernizing Ghana's communication systems as Minister of Communications. 4. Member of Parliament (1997–2004)

Representing the Bole Bamboi constituency, he worked to enhance the lives of his constituents.

Education: John Mahama began his education at Achimota Basic School and later attended Ghana Secondary School in Tamale. He earned a degree in History from the University of Ghana in 1981 and pursued further studies in Communication at the same institution. He also obtained a postgraduate degree in Social Psychology from Moscow, Russia.

This journey reflects the enduring legacy of Emmanuel and Abiba Mahama’s support, proving that strong parental guidance can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.