ACCRA, Dec 8 (Reuters) – Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama, has secured a stunning victory in the country’s 2024 presidential election, making a remarkable political comeback. Mahama’s win was confirmed after his rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat on Sunday.
In a press conference from his residence, Vice President Bawumia acknowledged Mahama’s victory, stating that the internal data collected by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) indicated a decisive win for Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC). Bawumia, who had hoped to continue the ruling party’s tenure, also confirmed that the NDC had won the parliamentary elections, further solidifying their control over both branches of government.
“Let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively,” Bawumia said. He also expressed confidence that the parliamentary results, though still being finalized, would not alter the overall outcome.
The Vice President made his concession speech before the official results were announced by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, explaining that it was crucial to ease growing tensions. Reports had emerged of scuffles in several local constituencies as election results continued to come in. Bawumia emphasized that his early concession was aimed at preventing further unrest and preserving peace in the nation.
“I am making this concession speech before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country,” he said. Bawumia also reassured the international community and investors, stressing that Ghana’s peaceful electoral process would remain intact. “It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana,” he added.
Despite the peaceful nature of the concession, the election campaign had been highly competitive, with both sides appealing to voters on issues of economic growth, job creation, and social development. Mahama, who previously served as President from 2012 to 2017, had campaigned on a platform of change, promising to address the challenges facing ordinary Ghanaians, including rising living costs and unemployment.
The peaceful nature of the transition is seen as a testament to Ghana’s strong democratic tradition. In previous elections, the country has managed to transfer power without major disruptions, earning it a reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
As the country awaits the official announcement from the Electoral Commission, Mahama’s victory marks the beginning of what many expect to be a significant period of political change. The former president will now focus on uniting the nation and implementing the policies he campaigned on, hoping to meet the high expectations set by voters who have called for change.
Stay tuned for further updates on Ghana’s 2024 presidential election results.
