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Ghana's New President Sworn In
Former opposition leader John Kuffuor became Ghana's president Sunday, appealing for debt relief and warning that the West African nation's troubled economy posed "grave challenges" for its democracy.
Dressed in a traditional robe, Kuffuor, 62, accepted the sword of office from Ghana's longtime leader Jerry Rawlings in the country's first peaceful transfer of power from one elected government to another.
"We have work to do, and that starts today," the British-trained lawyer later told tens of thousands of cheering supporters crammed into Accra's Independence Square.
"Our greatest enemy is poverty, and the battle against poverty starts with reconciling our people and forging ahead in unity."
Kuffuor also pledged a "zero tolerance" for corruption, saying, "I make a solemn pledge that I shall set a personal example."
Kuffuor's election ended Rawlings' 19-year rule, both as a former military ruler and twice-elected president. The swearing-in ceremony outside of parliament included performances by drummers and dancers.
Earlier on Sunday, newly elected members of parliament took their seats and elected a speaker for the 200-member assembly, in which Kuffuor's New Patriotic Party (NPP) has 100 seats.
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