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, marked the end of the NPP’s two-term rule under President Nana Akufo-Addo, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction over Ghana’s economic struggles.
Bawumia, addressing the press on Sunday, acknowledged the electorate’s decision with humility. “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 that he had called Mahama, the National Democratic Congress candidate, to congratulate him on his “decisive” victory.
The announcement of Bawumia’s concession sparked celebrations among Mahama’s supporters, with jubilant crowds gathering outside the NDC campaign headquarters in Accra.
Mahama, taking to his X account, described the victory as “emphatic” and confirmed Bawumia’s call.
In addition to securing the presidency, the NDC reportedly gained control of Ghana’s parliament, according to internal tallies from the NPP.
Sammy Gyamfi, NDC spokesman, claimed their party’s reviews indicated that Mahama had won 56.3% of the vote, compared to Bawumia’s 41.3%. “It is very clear that the people of this country have voted for change,” Gyamfi asserted.
Economic issues dominated the campaign, with voters expressing frustration over high inflation, currency devaluation, and a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout necessitated by Ghana’s debt crisis. Although inflation has recently dropped from over 50% to about 23%, the economic hardship remained a decisive factor in the election outcome.
The election commission has yet to officially declare the results, with Deputy Commissioner Bossman Asare stating that regional tallies were still being collated. However, party agents stationed at polling stations had already tallied votes, providing an early picture of the results.
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,” symbolised the NPP’s bid to achieve an unprecedented third consecutive term in power. However, the economic challenges under Akufo-Addo’s administration undermined his campaign.
This election marks a significant political comeback for Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017 but lost two subsequent elections. His return to power underscores the electorate’s demand for change amidst Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery efforts.
