Ghana election results: Former President John Mahama claims victory in tight race

Former President John Dramani Mahama claimed a historic comeback victory in Ghana’s presidential election, defeating the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) as voters punished the government for its handling of an economic crisis.

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP candidate, conceded defeat Sunday (December 8) following Saturday’s (December 7) election, acknowledging public frustration over surging living costs and economic turmoil.

The loss ends eight years of NPP rule under President Nana Akufo-Addo, during which the West African nation grappled with high inflation and a debt default.

For Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, the victory marks a triumphant return after unsuccessful bids in 2016 and 2020. He becomes the first leader in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to regain the presidency after losing reelection.

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Bawumia concedes early

Before official results were finalised, Bawumia announced his concession at a press conference, congratulating Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“Let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the Presidential election decisively,” Bawumia said in a press conference flanked by party officials.

“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility,” “The NDC has also won the parliamentary election. Even though we await final collation of a number of seats, I believe ultimately these will not change the outcome.”

Bawumia said his early concession aimed to defuse tensions after reports of scuffles at local constituency centres. The NDC also appeared poised to secure a parliamentary majority, according to Bawumia.

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Meanwhile, Mahama supporters thronged the NDC campaign headquarters in Accra, waving flags, blaring horns, and celebrating their leader’s return to power.

Mahama’s policies and vision

A writer and fan of Afrobeat music, Mahama was born into a relatvely privileged northern Ghanaian family.

He has held roles as a member of parliament, chairman of the West Africa Caucus at the Pan-African Parliament, and chairman of the regional bloc ECOWAS, where he was instrumental in combating the Ebola crisis.

Mahama’s win signals a new chapter for Ghana. He has pledged to tackle corruption by creating an office to scrutinise government procurement exceeding $5 million, a measure he says will curb graft.

On social issues, Mahama has voiced support for Ghana’s controversial anti-LGBTQ bill passed by parliament in February but not yet signed into law. The legislation has drawn international criticism.

With inputs from agencies