Will Mahama rock the Ghana Air Force blue next after ‘slaying’ in Army camo and red, and Navy white?
When President John Mahama stepped out in a crisp Navy outfit on Friday, April 11, 2025, for the Ghana Military Academy graduation parade, social media couldn’t help but notice — he’s now ticked off two out of the three branches of the Ghana Armed Forces when it comes to uniforms.
From the Army’s red and in another instance their camouflage green, and now the white of the Navy, the only colour left in his military-style wardrobe is the sky-hued blue of the Ghana Air Force.
These appearances have sparked both admiration and amusement among the public, not just for the fashion statement, but for what it might signify.
In this feature, GhanaWeb takes a look back at the president’s three notable moments in Army and Navy gear, and explore if the Air Force blue debuts in his next military appearance as he serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The camouflage debut
President John Mahama first donned military attire during his first term in office.
In August 2016, while commissioning the Ghana Navy Complex at Burma Camp in Accra, Mahama made headlines by appearing in full camouflage.
His choice of outfit sparked public debates, with many questioning whether it was appropriate for a sitting president to wear military regalia.
Despite the criticism, Mahama remained unfazed and would go on to make similar appearances in uniform during key military events.
The Red and Black
Just a month later, in September 2016, Mahama appeared once again in military uniform — this time in the red and black ceremonial dress of the Ghana Army.
The occasion was the Ghana Military Academy Graduation Parade, where members of the Regular Career Course (RCC) 56 and the Short Service Commission/Special Duties Course 54 were commissioned as officers.
This appearance reignited debates, with critics — including some politicians — arguing that the president’s choice to wear ceremonial military gear blurred the lines between civilian leadership and the armed forces.
The Naval uniform
Fast forward to April 11, 2025, and President Mahama, now in his second term, made another striking entrance — this time again at the Ghana Military Academy graduation ceremony in Accra.
Held at the Teshie Military Academy and Training School, the event saw Mahama in full naval uniform, reviewing the passing-out parade in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
What’s Next—The Air Force?
With appearances now logged in camouflage, army ceremonial, and naval uniforms, Mahama has spotted nearly the full range of Ghana Armed Forces attire.
This has sparked speculations among some Ghanaians on whether the Air Force uniform would be next.
Given the trend, many are watching to see if Mahama will complete the full military wardrobe in a future event — perhaps, marking yet another chapter in his unique approach to presidential symbolism.
And for the record, John Dramani Mahama is the first civilian president ever in Ghana’s history to make such bold public statements in military uniforms.
