The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has declared former President John Mahama the winner of the country’s presidential election, following a concession by incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. The election, which was held on December 7, saw Mahama win a significant majority of the votes, according to the EC.
Mahama, who served as President of Ghana from 2013 to 2017, won the election with 52.5% of the total votes cast, while Bawumia, who was running for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), secured 46.5% of the votes. The remaining 1% of the votes were shared among the other candidates.
In a statement released on December 10, Bawumia conceded defeat, congratulating Mahama on his victory. “I want to congratulate President-elect John Mahama on his victory in the presidential election,” Bawumia said. “I accept the outcome of the election and pledge to work with the incoming administration to ensure a smooth transition.”
Mahama, who was the candidate for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), thanked his supporters and the Ghanaian people for their trust in him. “I am honored and humbled by the trust that the Ghanaian people have placed in me,” Mahama said. “I pledge to work tirelessly to address the challenges facing our country and to build a better future for all Ghanaians.”
The election was observed by several international organizations, including the African Union, the European Union, and the Commonwealth, which all declared the election to be free and fair.
The EC also commended the Ghanaian people for their peaceful and orderly conduct during the election. “We commend the Ghanaian people for their maturity and sense of responsibility, which ensured that the election was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner,” said Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the EC.
The election was marked by a high turnout of voters, with over 13 million people casting their ballots. The EC reported that the election was conducted without any major incidents, although there were some reports of minor irregularities.
The outcome of the election has been widely welcomed by Ghanaians, who are hopeful that the new administration will address the country’s economic challenges and improve living standards.
Mahama’s victory marks a significant shift in Ghana’s politics, as the NDC returns to power after four years in opposition. The new administration is expected to face significant challenges, including a struggling economy and a growing national debt.
However, Mahama has pledged to work with all stakeholders to address these challenges and build a better future for Ghanaians. “We will work with all Ghanaians, regardless of their party affiliation, to build a country that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all,” Mahama said.
The incoming administration is expected to be sworn in on January 7, 2025.
