John Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress, has been declared the President-elect of Ghana following the December 7, 2024 elections, defeating outgoing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party. Mahama received 56.55% of the votes, while Bawumia garnered 41.61%. Additionally, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was elected as the first female Vice President-elect, marking a significant moment in Ghana’s political history.
The Ghanaian Electoral Commission has officially declared former President John Mahama as the President-elect of Ghana following the December 7, 2024 elections. Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured a significant victory against his main opponent, the outgoing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). During the announcement made by Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, it was stated that Mahama received 6,328,397 votes, accounting for 56.55% of the total valid votes cast, while Bawumia garnered 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%. Despite the pending results from nine constituencies, Madam Mensa assured the public that their contributions would not affect the overall outcome.
In the wake of this declaration, President Nana Akufo Addo’s term will officially conclude on January 7, 2025, with Mahama set to assume office as the new president. Prior to the official announcement from the Electoral Commission, the NPP conceded defeat, acknowledging Mahama’s victory. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia expressed his concession during a press briefing, stating that he personally congratulated Mahama following the election results.
John Dramani Mahama has a notable background in Ghanaian politics. Born on November 29, 1958, he previously served as both Vice President and President, making history as the first Ghanaian head of state born after the country gained independence. Mahama has held various political positions since entering politics in 1996, consistently advocating for underprivileged communities. His re-election marks a significant chapter in Ghana’s democratic history.
Additionally, Ghana witnessed another historical milestone with the election of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the first female Vice President-elect. Opoku-Agyemang has a distinguished academic career, including serving as the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana and as Minister for Education during Mahama’s previous administration.
The 2024 Ghana presidential election was a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey. It saw John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) reclaiming the presidency after his previous tenure from 2012 to 2017. The election also marked the NPP’s transition in leadership following President Nana Akufo Addo’s administration. With a voter turnout exceeding 18 million across 40,000 polling centers, this election reflected the active civic engagement of Ghanaian citizens. Furthermore, the election of a female Vice President-elect demonstrates a progressive step towards gender representation in Ghana’s political landscape.
To summarize, John Mahama’s election as President of Ghana signifies a return to leadership for the NDC after a competitive electoral process against the NPP. With Mahama’s historical significance and political experience, and the election of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the first female Vice President-elect, Ghana is poised for a new chapter in governance. These developments underline the resilience and dynamism of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
