After a protracted wait, the EC and Jean Mensa finally released presidential results, solidifying former President John Mahama’s victory in Ghana’s 2024 presidential election after primary opponent Bawumia’s early concession.
This represents Mahama’s historic return to power, having previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017.
This represents Mahama’s historic return to power, having previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017.
Following a late statement on the evening of December 9, 2024, the Ghana Electoral Commission officially named John Mahama, candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the winner of the 2024 Presidential Election.
Jean Mensa, the commission’s chairperson and returning officer for the national presidential elections, made the declaration. “As a commission, we have fulfilled our vowed aspiration to place transparency at the heart of our operations,” she stated as she announced the results.
Mahama, who previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2016, received 56.55% of the vote, topping his primary rival, Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flag bearer, by 6,328,397 votes.
The election results were validated by carefully analyzing votes around the country. According to the EC head, the commission was unable to complete the collation procedure in nine constituencies that did not appear in the declared results.
Bawumia, who was initially enthusiastic about his chances, admitted defeat shortly after the election ended on December 7, 2024.
His capitulation came in the form of an emotional speech in which he acknowledged the people’s will and advocated for a seamless and peaceful transfer of power.
In his remarks, Obama congratulated Mahama and called for national unity, encouraging Ghanaians to support the incoming administration for the country’s benefit.
Bawumia’s immediate acceptance of the outcome demonstrated his commitment to a peaceful transition and respect for the democratic process.
What happens next for Ghana and John Mahama?
With Mahama’s victory, the country now looks forward to the future under his leadership. Mahama has committed to prioritize recovering state plunder, economic recovery, combating young unemployment, and strengthening Ghana’s infrastructure.
As the NDC prepares to return to administration with an official inauguration in January 2025, Mahama’s leadership is expected to prioritize national unity and addressing urgent concerns in a variety of areas.
Bawumia’s peaceful concession paves the way for a smooth transition, with both political parties emphasizing national unity. In the next days, Mahama’s team will begin the transition process, preparing for his second term in office.
