Ghana's Akufo-Addo sworn in as president

Ghana's new president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo took the oath of office on Saturday, vowing to revive the country's economy and protect the public purse.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood in the presence of some 12 African heads of state and other foreign dignitaries.

A large crowd mostly made up of party supporters also thronged the Black Star Square in Accra to witness the colorful ceremony amidst tight security.

Akufo-Addo said his government will reduce taxes to recover the momentum of the economy and rely on vibrant private sector to spur growth and create jobs.

He said Ghana would not settle for a third world and developing world standards, calling on the public to be at the center of the change they voted for in last month's elections.

"I have no doubt that the talents, energy, sense of enterprise and innovation of the Ghanaian can be harnessed to make Ghana the place where dreams come true," said the new president.

Akufo-Addo, a 72-year-old former human rights lawyer, promised free high school education and more factories. He took over from John Dramani Mahama who served just one term in office as president.

Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara, who attended the ceremony as a special guest of honor, urged Ghanaians to preserve the country's democracy, saying Ghana's election and peaceful transfer of power enforced a positive image of growing democracy in West Africa. Enditem