Former President John Dramani Mahama has won Ghana’s 2024 presidential election, defeating Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
This signifies a major political event as Mr. Mahama returns to the presidency after eight years in opposition.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commissioner (EC), Mrs Jean Mensa, said on Monday, December 9, that Mr. Mahama won by securing 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55 per cent, while Dr. Bawumia polled 4,657,304, representing 41.61 per cent.
The EC called the election within 48 hours after the polls closed on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat in the 2024 presidential race a few hours after provisional results projected Mr Mahama as the winner on Saturday.
Dr. Bawumia explained in a presser that former President John Mahama, his closest contender in the race, had won the elections “decisively” based on the data available to the NPP.
“I have just called former president John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as president-elect,” he added.
Dr. Bawumia further explained that the NDC had won the majority in parliament.
He added that the NPP would not be a destructive opponent and would support the newly elected president towards achieving a better Ghana.
“We may have lost the battle but not the war,” he said.
Dr Bawumia’s action emphasises Ghana’s record of fiercely contested but peaceful elections.
In his second coming, Mr. Mahama had promised to implement a 24-hour economy policy as part of plans to create jobs for the many Ghanaian youths battling unemployment.
He has also promised to improve the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy and offer free education to first-year university students.
One of his promises that resonated with voters is the commitment to abolish several taxes that many Ghanaians consider burdensome.
Mr. Mahama has thanked Ghanaians for their trust and confidence, vowing to work towards national unity and prosperity during his term.