Ghana: John Mahama Wins as Ruling Party’s Bawumia Admits Defeat

Former President John Mahama has emerged victorious in Ghana’s presidential election, with ruling party candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia conceding defeat and calling for unity.

Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s Vice President and candidate from the ruling party, conceded defeat on Sunday to opposition contender John Dramani Mahama, a former President of the West African nation, in their closely contested presidential election.

Before the official announcement, Bawumia informed reporters that he honors the choice of Ghanaians to vote for change. “I have just spoken with His Excellency John Mahama to congratulate him on becoming the president-elect of the Republic of Ghana,” he stated.

Celebrations erupted in various regions of the country, including its capital city, Accra.

The election took place amidst the country’s most severe cost-of-living crisis in a generation, serving as a critical test for democracy in an area troubled by extremist violence and coups.

Bawumia was campaigning as the flagbearer for the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has faced difficulties in addressing the economic crisis under the leadership of outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Mahama’s victory is seen as part of a global trend where opposition parties have been succeeding against incumbents, evident in countries ranging from the United States to those in Europe, like Britain and France, as well as South Africa.

Mahama, aged 65, served as the president of Ghana from July 2012 to January 2017.

During his campaign, Mahama pledged to “reset” the nation in multiple areas and aimed to connect with young Ghanaians who viewed the election as an opportunity to escape the country’s economic challenges.