An Examination of the Communicative Functions of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s Inaugural Addresses

This study draws on insights from political discourse analysis and critical discourse analysis to examine the inaugural addresses of Ghana’s president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (NADAA). It analyzes how NADAA’s discourse is imbued with both pragmatic and ritualistic properties, given the ends to which it is put. Three main communicative functions of his addresses are discussed: (1) accepting a call to duty and making promises, (2) providing hope and inspiration, and (3) enacting a ritualistic performance. These functions are expressed via linguistic resources such as metaphor, topoi, lexicalization, and positive self-presentation. Together, they enable NADAA to sculpt the image of a patriot in touch with the needs of the Ghanaian people as well as articulate an uplifting message aimed at offering (re)assurance to the populace, while acting as a unifier. This chapter illustrates the role of language and semiosis in how ‘political rituals’ are conceptualized and performed.