Matthew Agambire, the creative mind behind President John Mahama’s striking agbada worn during his inauguration on January 7, 2025, has disclosed that the President played a key role in the design process.In an interview with JoyNews, the designer and owner of the Bondaana fashion brand revealed the inspiration behind the attire, emphasizing Mahama’s desire for the outfit to reflect Ghanaian culture.

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"President Mahama is someone who believes so much in Ghana, and he wanted something of Ghana, from Ghana, and by Ghana. When I approached him about designing the outfit, I gave him a few ideas as to what I wanted to do. And in fact, he is actually a very key person in co-creating the brand. So he said he would need something that represents Ghana and he needed a Ghanaian to do it. So that was actually the brain behind the outfit," he stated.<img

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alt="" class="wp-image-735845" style="width:1034px;height:auto"/>Asked who proposed the incorporation of Adinkra symbols into the design, Agambire explained that while the idea originated from him, Mahama actively participated in the final touches."I had been planning and thinking on what to do on his outfit for the past two months. So what happened behind the scenes was that I

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would usually come up with something and go show it to him, and then he either approves or gives his contributions. So the Adinkra symbols were originally thought by me and shown to him for his approval. So it was teamwork between the two of us," he added.

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About President Mahama’s Inaugural AttirePresident John Mahama’s grand entry at the Black Star Square on January 7, 2025, to take the Oath of Office was marked by more than just the ceremonial State Sword he held high—it was his attire that captivated the nation.Dressed in a regal white agbada, a flowing robe popularized by the Yoruba people of Nigeria and worn across West Africa, Mahama made a bold cultural statement.

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His version featured a Ghanaian twist: two long kente embroideries flanked the three-piece ensemble, matching the pattern on his cap. The kente design, called Ɛmmerɛ Pa Da W'anim (Better Days Lie Ahead), reflected optimism for the nation’s future.At the heart of the agbada were four carefully chosen Adinkra symbols:Nyame Dua (Tree of God): Symbolizing God’s presence and guardianship.<img

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alt="" class="wp-image-735838"/>Dwennimmen (Ram’s Horns): Representing strength, humility, and wisdom—qualities Mahama referenced in his pledge to fight corruption with firmness yet collaborate with citizens.<img src="

alt="" class="wp-image-735839"/>Sankofa (Return and Fetch It): A call to learn from past experiences,

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particularly significant given Mahama’s previous electoral defeats and his promise to address past criticisms.<img src="

alt="" class="wp-image-735840"/>Gye Nyame (Except God): The most iconic Adinkra symbol, emphasizing faith in God’s central role in leadership and national progress.<img src="

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class="wp-image-735841"/>The choice of symbols, rich in cultural meaning, reflected Mahama’s message of strength, humility, reflection, and faith as he begins his leadership journey.During his inauguration speech, Mahama declared his vision for national transformation, saying, “Today marks the beginning of a new opportunity, an opportunity to redefine our governance and economic strategies.

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Together, we shall reset our beloved nation, Ghana.”The culturally significant outfit, blending elegance with symbolism, presented President Mahama not just as a leader but as a figure ready to champion unity, progress, and hope for Ghana’s future. Whether these aspirations materialize remains to be seen.

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