Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has conceded defeat in Ghana’s presidential election, congratulating former President John Dramani Mahama on his victory.
“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility,” Bawumia stated during a Sunday news conference.
The result of Saturday’s election ends two terms of leadership under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and President Nana Akufo-Addo. The administration faced Ghana’s worst economic crisis in years, with high inflation and a debt default.
Bawumia confirmed that he had called Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to acknowledge his win.
NDC spokesman Sammy Gyamfi earlier reported that the party’s internal review showed Mahama won with 56.3% of the vote, compared to Bawumia’s 41.3%. “It is very clear the people of this country have voted for change,” Gyamfi told reporters. Bawumia also described Mahama’s victory as “decisive.”
The NDC also won the parliamentary election, according to an internal tally by the NPP.
Mahama, who served as Ghana’s president from July 2012 to January 2017, confirmed via X that Bawumia had congratulated him on his “emphatic victory.” Celebrations erupted at the NDC campaign headquarters in Accra, where Mahama’s supporters gathered with blaring horns and cheers.
Mahama, now 65, campaigned on promises to “reset” the country on multiple fronts, aiming to connect with younger voters. His win is historic, making him the first president in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to reclaim office after being previously voted out. Ghana has alternated leadership between its two major parties, the NPP and NDC, since returning to multi-party democracy in 1992.
Economic challenges dominated the election. Ghana, a major gold and cacao producer, recently faced a financial crisis involving currency devaluation and a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout.
On corruption, Mahama pledged to establish a new office that will oversee government procurement exceeding $5 million, which he identified as a significant source of corruption.
Despite international criticism, Mahama expressed his support for the anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Ghana’s parliament in February. The bill has yet to be signed into law.
The Electoral Commission announced that official results would likely be released by Tuesday.
Mahama’s win reflects voter dissatisfaction with the economic turmoil under the NPP government, including spiraling inflation and the country’s default on its debt. During his campaign, he highlighted the need for economic stability and anti-corruption reforms while also addressing social issues. His message resonated with voters seeking change after years of economic hardship.
Bawumia acknowledged the electorate’s demand for a different direction. “We respect the decision of the people of Ghana, who have chosen to vote for change,” he said.
While Ghana has long been celebrated for its political stability, this election underscores the challenges of maintaining public trust amid economic difficulties. The alternating power dynamic between the NPP and NDC continues to define Ghana’s democracy, with Mahama’s victory marking a significant shift in the political landscape.
In the wake of this pivotal election, Mahama’s administration will face the challenge of delivering on his campaign promises and addressing the pressing economic and social issues confronting the nation.
