Ghana Election: Mahama Secures Decisive Electoral Victory

Ghana’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has conceded defeat in Saturday’s presidential election, congratulating opposition candidate John Mahama on his victory. “The people have voted for change,” Bawumia declared, acknowledging the election’s outcome based on internal party tallies that showed Mahama winning “decisively”.

The election unfolds against the backdrop of Ghana’s most severe economic crisis in a generation, characterized by soaring living costs, high youth unemployment, and mounting national debt. While official results are yet to be declared, Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) claims he secured 56% of the vote against Bawumia’s 41%.

Despite Bawumia’s early concession, the Electoral Commission has cited challenges in result collation, with supporters from both parties creating impediments. The election has not been without tension, with two people shot dead during a dispute in Nyankpala and electoral commission offices reportedly vandalized.

Mahama, 65, returns to power after previously leading Ghana from 2012 to 2017, marking a stunning political comeback. His campaign promised to transform Ghana into a “24-hour economy”, offering hope to citizens frustrated with the current administration’s performance.

The peaceful transfer of power continues Ghana’s tradition of democratic alternation, with no party having won more than two consecutive terms since multi-party politics returned in 1992. Mahama is set to be sworn in on January 7, 2025, succeeding President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has reached his two-term limit.