On Saturday, December 7, 2024, eighteen million Ghanaian voters went to the polls to elect their president and renew members of Parliament. The election resulted in the return to power of the opposition, led by John Dramani Mahama.
On Sunday morning, to widespread surprise, the outgoing vice president and ruling party (NPP) candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat. Speaking at a press conference, he stated: “Let me say that the statistics from our own tally of the electoral results indicate that former President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has won the presidential election.”
According to the NPP’s internal estimates, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition party, also secured a majority in Parliament.
In Accra, particularly in the popular district of Nima, an NDC stronghold, John Dramani Mahama’s victory sparked scenes of jubilation. Many supporters had anticipated the favorable outcome for their candidate as early as Saturday night. On Sunday, the official announcement only amplified their celebrations.
Despite a generally peaceful atmosphere in most constituencies, the election was not without incidents. In Tamale, in the northern part of the country, an altercation over an alleged attempt to distribute money to voters escalated, resulting in one fatal shooting. Another death was reported near Accra under similar circumstances.
Tensions also arose during the transportation of ballot boxes to constituency centers, particularly in the evening. However, the Electoral Commission reassured the public, asserting that the electoral process was conducted transparently, fairly, and inclusively.
Amid concerns about potential unrest, Mahamudu Bawumia emphasized his commitment to ensuring a peaceful transition of power. He noted that he had spoken out ahead of the official results announcement to defuse public tensions that had emerged after the polls closed.
On Sunday evening, the Electoral Commission confirmed John Dramani Mahama’s victory, paving the way for a new political chapter in Ghana. The challenges ahead are significant, but the enthusiasm of his supporters reflects the high expectations placed on his leadership to revitalize the economy and address growing social demands.
