Ghana’s Vice President and New Patriotic Party candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, has conceded defeat to former President John Mahama in the country’s presidential election.
The election, held on Saturday, reflected widespread discontent over the nation’s economic challenges, ending the NPP’s two-term rule under President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Bawumia addressed the press on Sunday, acknowledging the verdict of the electorate.
“The people of Ghana have spoken and they have voted for change at this time. We respect this with all humility,” he stated. He also confirmed placing a congratulatory call to his opponent, John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, acknowledging Mahama’s “decisive” victory.
Celebrations erupted among Mahama’s supporters in Accra, with jubilant crowds gathering outside the NDC campaign headquarters.
Mahama himself took to his X account to confirm Bawumia’s call, referring to his win as an “emphatic victory.”
In addition to the presidency, Mahama’s NDC reportedly secured control of Ghana’s parliament, according to the NPP’s internal tallies.
NDC spokesman, Sammy Gyamfi, declared that their party’s reviews indicated Mahama had captured 56.3% of the vote, while Bawumia garnered 41.3%. “It is very clear that the people of this country have voted for change,” Gyamfi asserted.
Ghana’s struggling economy dominated the campaign, with many voters expressing frustration over high inflation, currency devaluation, and a $3 billion IMF bailout necessitated by the country’s debt crisis.
Although inflation has recently dropped from over 50% to around 23%, the economic hardships remained a significant factor in the electorate’s decision.
The election commission is yet to announce official results, with Deputy Commissioner Bossman Asare stating regional tallies were still being collated. However, political party agents stationed at polling stations had already tallied votes, providing an early indication of the outcome.
Ghana, known for its democratic stability, has alternated power between the NPP and NDC since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992.
Bawumia’s campaign slogan, “Break the 8,” referenced the NPP’s attempt to secure an unprecedented third term. However, the economic challenges under Akufo-Addo’s administration proved insurmountable for Bawumia’s bid.
This marks a political resurgence for Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017 but failed in two subsequent election attempts.
His return to power underscores the electorate’s desire for change amidst Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery.
