John Mahama Declares a New Era as Ghana's President-Elect

After being declared the winner with a significant margin, John Mahama calls for national unity and addresses pressing issues facing the nation.

John Mahama, the former President and opposition candidate, has officially been declared the winner of Ghana's presidential election held on Saturday. Mahama secured victory with 56.6% of the vote against Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 41.6%. This election result marks the largest win margin in Ghana in 24 years, with voter turnout reported at 60.9% by Jean Mensa, head of the electoral commission.

In his victory speech, Mahama expressed gratitude, stating he felt “humbled” by the support from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and promising "a new beginning, a new direction" for the country. He emphasized that Ghana has made history by electing Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as its first female Vice-President. Mahama acknowledged Bawumia’s concession prior to the official results, which Bawumia stated was to maintain peace and avoid tension during the transition.

While overall the election proceeded without major incidents, two fatalities occurred during separate disturbances, and the electoral commission's office in Damongo was reportedly attacked by disgruntled NDC supporters upset over delays in publishing results.

This election follows a dismal economic backdrop, with high unemployment rates, rising living costs, and environmental concerns regarding illegal gold mining overwhelming the electorate's priorities. Ghanaians had voiced their demand for change, and Mahama's campaign resonated with voters across regions previously held by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Celebrations erupted nationwide after Bawumia’s concession, with Mahama’s supporters cheerfully expressing their hopes for job creation and lowered fuel prices. Salifu Abdul-Fatawu, a jubilant supporter in Kumasi, articulated the collective excitement for the victory and the expectations it brings for improved living conditions.

Mahama previously held the presidency from 2012 to 2017 before being succeeded by Akufo-Addo. This election win signifies a remarkable rebound for Mahama, who lost in 2020, and reinforces the historical pattern of alternating power between the NDC and NPP since multi-party politics were reintroduced in 1992.

As the nation looks to a hopeful future, Mahama pledges to rebuild a "24-hour economy" aimed at revitalizing Ghana's economic prospects. He is set to be sworn in on January 7, 2025, ushering in what many Ghanaians hope will be a transformative administration.