Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama has reclaimed the presidency after his main challenger, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat in Saturday’s election.
At a press conference on Sunday, Bawumia accepted the outcome, saying, “The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect it with all humility.”
He acknowledged that Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), had secured a “decisive” victory.
The defeat marks the end of two terms for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose tenure was overshadowed by Ghana’s most severe economic crisis in years, characterized by soaring inflation and a debt default.
According to internal tallies from the NPP, the NDC also won the parliamentary elections. Mahama, who previously led the country from 2012 to 2017, confirmed via social media that he received Bawumia’s call congratulating him on his victory.In his concession speech, Bawumia underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stating,
“I am making this concession before the official announcement by the electoral commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country. It is important that the global investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana.”
Philips Babatunde