John Mahama Defeats Vice President Bawumia in Ghana’s Presidential Election, Promises Economic Revival

Former President John Dramani Mahama has won Ghana’s presidential election, securing a historic comeback after Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat on Sunday. Mahama’s victory, following a bruising campaign centered on the country’s economic crisis, marks the return of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to power.

In a televised address, Bawumia acknowledged Mahama’s victory, stating, “The people of Ghana have voted for change, and I respect this decision with all humility.” He confirmed that Mahama’s NDC had also won the parliamentary elections, signaling a sweeping victory for the opposition. Bawumia’s decision to concede defeat before the official results were announced was aimed at reducing tensions, with reports of scuffles and unrest in several polling centers during the vote count.

“I have just called His Excellency John Mahama to congratulate him as president-elect of the Republic of Ghana,” Bawumia said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the peace that Ghana is known for. Mahama confirmed the call in a post on X, thanking his supporters for their backing and describing his win as “emphatic.”

Mahama, 65, who served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017, promised during his campaign to “reset” the country’s ailing economy. Ghana, a key cocoa and gold producer, has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, characterized by soaring inflation, a depreciating currency, and a debt default that led to a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Mahama, who framed his candidacy as a remedy for the economic woes brought on by the NPP’s mismanagement, campaigned on promises of job creation, addressing corruption, and stabilizing the economy.

Mahama’s victory makes him the first president in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to reclaim the presidency after being voted out of office. His previous administration was marred by allegations of corruption and an economic downturn, but he has promised a new approach focused on economic revival and transparency. His campaign appealed particularly to younger voters, many of whom have been struggling with unemployment and high living costs.

Despite his earlier administration’s challenges, Mahama’s return to power is seen as a hopeful turn for many Ghanaians who believe he is capable of leading the country out of its economic difficulties. Jude Agbemava, a policy analyst and Mahama supporter, emphasized that the former president is “the only person who can fix the ailing economy.”

Though the official results have yet to be declared, provisional results show Mahama leading with over 53% of the vote to Bawumia’s 45.16%. The NDC also claimed victory in the parliamentary race, with projections suggesting that the party will win about 185 out of 276 seats in Ghana’s legislature.

The peaceful conduct of the election has been praised by international observers, including the United States embassy, which congratulated Ghana for holding a “successful election.” However, some violent incidents were reported, including two deaths and the destruction of an electoral commission office in Damongo, allegedly by NDC supporters frustrated by the delays in the results.