Omane Boamah Explains Why Mahama Hasn’t Changed the Name of Jubilee House to Flagstaff House
Minister of Defence-designate highlights the President's focus on national unity and governance continuity over symbolic changes
- Mahama's decision reflects his commitment to national unity and avoiding unnecessary controversies
- The choice to retain "Jubilee House" shows a focus on the country’s progress rather than symbolic name changes
- The name has shifted several times, with previous leaders renaming the presidential seat for political reasons
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence-designate, has shed light on why President John Dramani Mahama has chosen to maintain the name “Jubilee House” instead of reverting to “Flagstaff House.”
Speaking before the Appointments Committee on January 28, 2025, Dr. Boamah explained that the decision stemmed from President Mahama’s desire to focus on national unity and avoid unnecessary controversies over symbolic issues.
He emphasized that President Mahama’s decision was a reflection of his good nature and commitment to continuity in governance.
Dr. Boamah stated, “It is only by the good heart of President Mahama that the name has remained as Jubilee House. Otherwise, we would have seen it revert to Flagstaff House by now.”
He also clarified that the use of Jubilee House is not an official designation, but rather a name that has become widely recognized across the nation.
In 2018, former President Nana Akufo-Addo renamed the presidency’s seat from Flagstaff House back to Jubilee House, a move that came on his 74th birthday.
This change marked the second time in less than a decade that the name had been altered.
Originally named Jubilee House by President Kufuor in 2008, it was renamed Flagstaff House by the NDC government under President John Evans Atta Mills.
