Opposition wins Ghana presidential election, vice-president says
3 min read
In a historic turn of events, Ghana’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has conceded defeat in Saturday’s presidential election, congratulating former President John Mahama on his victory. Bawumia acknowledged the results, stating, “The people have voted for change,” despite the official results still being pending.
The election took place amidst Ghana’s worst economic crisis in decades. Basic goods became increasingly unaffordable, with youth unemployment soaring, and the country facing severe debt repayment issues. The economic hardship dominated the political discourse, influencing the electorate’s choice.
Although Bawumia has publicly accepted defeat, the official results have not been declared. The Electoral Commission (EC) cited delays, explaining that the counting process was obstructed by supporters of both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The EC has since called on the police to clear the collating centers, ensuring a fair and peaceful counting process.
Celebrations erupted across Ghana as Mahama’s supporters took to the streets. In the central city of Kumasi, jubilant crowds cheered, waved flags, and celebrated on motorbikes. One enthusiastic supporter, Salifu Abdul-Fatawu, shared his joy with the BBC, hoping that the new leadership would bring job opportunities for him and his siblings, as well as lower food and fuel prices.
Even some members of the NPP, including Nana, admitted the shortcomings of their party. Nana expressed frustration over the economic situation, acknowledging that the ruling party’s performance in the election year left many dissatisfied. Despite the generally peaceful election process, the country experienced some violence. Two individuals were killed in separate shootings on election day, and in Damongo, in the north, the local electoral commission office was destroyed by angry NDC supporters protesting the delayed results.
Originally, Ghanaians expected the first results to be announced soon after the polls closed, but the Electoral Commission’s chairperson urged patience. The Commission clarified that it has 72 days to officially declare the results, leading to some discontent. In the meantime, warehouses in Damongo and Tamale were looted by protesters expressing frustration over the delays.
Bawumia’s concession came based on internal vote counts from the NPP, which indicated a decisive win for Mahama. According to the NPP’s figures, Mahama had secured a substantial lead. The NDC also claimed victory in the parliamentary elections, further bolstering Mahama’s political momentum. Mahama, upon receiving Bawumia’s congratulatory call, confirmed the victory, calling it an “emphatic” win.
The NDC’s internal tally had Mahama winning 56% of the vote, compared to 41% for Bawumia. Despite the premature concession, Bawumia emphasized that he was taking this step to prevent further tension and preserve national peace.
This election marks a significant moment in Ghana’s political landscape, as President Nana Akufo-Addo steps down after serving two terms. His departure opens the door for Mahama’s return to power. Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, lost the 2020 election but has now made a remarkable comeback.
Since the return of multi-party democracy in Ghana in 1992, the political rivalry between the NDC and NPP has dominated the country’s electoral scene. Notably, no party has ever won more than two consecutive terms, a trend that seems poised to continue with Mahama’s victory.
During his previous tenure, Mahama’s administration faced numerous challenges, including a struggling economy, power outages, and corruption scandals. However, with the country grappling with its current economic crisis, many Ghanaians are hopeful that this time, Mahama’s leadership will bring about positive change. His campaign promises focused on transforming Ghana into a “24-hour economy,” aiming to address unemployment and economic instability.
In Tamale, NDC supporter Gajia One expressed disillusionment with the current government, stating that the NPP had failed to deliver and that it was time for Mahama to take charge again. Gajia was confident that Mahama was the right leader to steer the country towards recovery, saying, “We handed over to them [NPP] and thought they could manage the country well, but they have failed, and we take over again.”
The newly elected president will be officially sworn in on January 7, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana’s political and economic future.
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