Accra, Ghana – Former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been declared President-elect of Ghana following the December 7 general elections. The announcement was made on Monday, by Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), during a televised press briefing in Accra.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, has conceded defeat, clearing the way for Mahama’s return to the presidency.
Mahama Secures Clear Victory
The EC Chairperson announced that the declaration was based on certified results from 267 out of 276 constituencies. She noted that the nine remaining constituencies, accounting for 947,116 votes, could not alter the outcome.
According to the EC, Mahama received 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the total valid votes cast. His closest rival, Vice President Bawumia, garnered 4,657,304 votes, or 41.61%.
The breakdown of the results is as follows:
- John Mahama (NDC): 6,328,397 votes (56.55%)
- Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP): 4,657,304 votes (41.61%)
- Total Valid Votes: 11,191,422
- Rejected Votes: 239,109
- Total Votes Cast: 11,430,531
- Registered Voters: 18,744,159
- Turnout: 60.9%
EC Chair Affirms Transparency
Jean Mensa emphasized the credibility and transparency of the electoral process, thanking Ghanaians for their active participation. “This declaration is based on certified results, and even if all votes from the nine outstanding constituencies were added to the second-placed candidate, the outcome remains unchanged,” she stated.
She also praised the Electoral Commission’s efforts in organizing a free, fair, and peaceful election, calling the process a testament to Ghana’s democratic maturity.
Concession by Bawumia
Vice President Bawumia’s concession marks a significant moment in Ghanaian politics, underscoring the country’s tradition of peaceful electoral transitions. In a statement released earlier on Monday, Bawumia congratulated Mahama on his victory and called for unity.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to John Dramani Mahama on his election as President. While this is not the outcome we hoped for, I urge all Ghanaians to rally behind our President-elect as he steers our nation forward,” Bawumia stated.
Mahama’s Victory Speech
Addressing jubilant supporters at the NDC headquarters, Mahama expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their trust and pledged to lead inclusively.
“This victory belongs to every Ghanaian. Together, we will work to heal divisions, rebuild our economy, and restore hope for a brighter future. The journey ahead requires unity, and I am committed to being a President for all,” Mahama said.
Meanwhile, President Joseph Boakai has extended heartfelt congratulations to H.E John Dramani Mahama, President-Elect of the Republic of Ghana, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the message reflects Liberia’s admiration for Ghana’s enduring commitment to democratic governance and peaceful political transitions.
In his congratulatory message, President Boakai praised the people of Ghana for their active participation in the electoral process, which serves as a testament to their dedication to democracy and unity.
The Liberian Leader expressed confidence that the President-Elect will lead Ghana to greater heights while strengthening the longstanding relationship between Liberia and Ghana.
“Your election is a clear indication of the trust and confidence the people of Ghana have placed in your vision for the country. Liberia stands ready to work closely with you in advancing the shared goals of peace, prosperity, and regional integration,” President Boakai stated.
President Boakai further reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to collaborating with Ghana on key issues of mutual interest within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international platforms.
As Ghana prepares for this new chapter, Liberia sends its warmest wishes of continued progress, stability, and development under the leadership of the President-Elect.
Observers Praise Election
The December 7 election drew widespread praise from international and domestic observers for its organization and transparency. The African Union, ECOWAS, and other monitoring bodies commended Ghana’s EC for conducting a credible poll.
As Ghana prepares for the transition, Mahama is expected to assume office on January 7, 2025, marking his return to the presidency after losing the 2016 and 2020 elections. His victory signals a shift in Ghana’s political landscape, as voters responded to his campaign promises of economic recovery, job creation, and national unity.
With this outcome, Ghana once again reaffirms its reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
