Kehinde Fajobi
Former President John Dramani Mahama emerged victorious in Ghana’s presidential election, following Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s concession.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Bawumia acknowledged the results of Saturday’s polls, stating, “The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect it with all humility.”
The defeat ends two terms of governance by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, marked by economic challenges, including high inflation and a debt default.
Bawumia described Mahama’s victory as “decisive” and confirmed that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had also won the parliamentary elections based on the NPP’s internal vote tally.
In his concession speech, Bawumia said, “The data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively.
“The NDC has also won the parliamentary election. Even though we await the final collation of a number of seats, I believe ultimately these will not change the outcome.”
He added, “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.
“It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana.”
Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that Bawumia had called to congratulate him on his “emphatic victory.”
With this outcome, Ghana’s political landscape shifts as the NDC takes both the presidency and a parliamentary majority.