Former President John Dramani Mahama has been declared the winner of Ghana’s 2024 presidential election, marking a remarkable return to the nation’s highest office following a fiercely contested campaign. The announcement was made by the Electoral Commission (EC) on Monday, December 9, 2024, confirming Mahama’s victory with a total of 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast.
He defeated his primary rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 4,657,304 votes, equating to 41.61%.
This victory is not only significant for Mahama personally but also for his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has regained a majority in Parliament. The NDC has already secured over 160 seats, including key constituencies traditionally held by the ruling NPP. This parliamentary success strengthens Mahama’s mandate as he prepares to assume the presidency once again.
The 2024 election saw a voter turnout of 60.9%, indicating a strong engagement from the electorate. The electoral process was largely peaceful, although there were some reports of isolated incidents of violence and logistical challenges in certain constituencies, including Damongo, Ablekuma Central, and Okaikwei North. These incidents, while concerning, did not overshadow the overall integrity of the election.
In a gracious concession speech, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia acknowledged Mahama’s victory and called on his supporters to accept the outcome peacefully. “We have fought a good fight. The people have spoken, and we must respect their decision,” Bawumia stated. He emphasized the need for unity and calm as Ghana moves forward, a sentiment that resonates with the nation’s collective aspiration for stability and progress in the coming years.
Following the official declaration by EC Chairperson Jean Mensa, Mahama is expected to address the nation to outline his vision for the country as he prepares for his second term in office, which is set to begin with his swearing-in on January 7, 2025. His upcoming speech will likely focus on key issues affecting the nation, including economic recovery, national unity, and the implementation of his party’s policies aimed at improving the lives of Ghanaians.
Observers, both local and international, have praised the Electoral Commission for overseeing a transparent and credible election process despite the challenges encountered during the election period. The EC’s management of the election has reinforced Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democratic governance in Africa, highlighting the nation’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy.
Mahama, who previously served as President from 2012 to 2016, faced significant challenges in his prior attempts to reclaim the presidency after losing to President Akufo-Addo in the 2016 election and failing again in 2020. However, following predictions from several polling organizations, including the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Global InfoAnalytics, and Fitch, that forecast a victory for the opposition, Mahama’s return signifies a substantial political shift in Ghana.
As Mahama prepares for his return to the presidency, the NDC’s overwhelming victory in Parliament will be a critical asset as he addresses the challenges of leading Ghana through the next four years. His administration will need to focus on key issues such as economic revitalization, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation to meet the expectations of the electorate and ensure sustainable progress.
The upcoming administration will also face the challenge of fostering national unity in a politically polarized environment. Mahama’s leadership will be instrumental in bridging divides and promoting a collaborative approach to governance, ensuring that all Ghanaians feel included in the national discourse.
Moreover, Mahama’s second term will be pivotal in addressing pressing issues such as youth unemployment, inflation, and public service delivery. His ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in restoring public confidence in governance and enhancing the living standards of citizens across the country.
In addition to domestic challenges, Mahama will also need to engage with international partners to attract investment, foster economic growth, and enhance Ghana’s global standing. Strengthening diplomatic relations and participating actively in regional initiatives will be essential for positioning Ghana as a leader in West Africa.
As the nation looks toward the future under Mahama’s leadership, there is a palpable sense of hope and anticipation among Ghanaians. His return to power is seen as an opportunity for renewed progress and a fresh start for the country, with many citizens eager to see the implementation of policies that will positively impact their lives.
In conclusion, John Dramani Mahama’s declaration as the winner of the 2024 presidential election signifies a pivotal moment in Ghana’s political landscape. His victory, coupled with the NDC’s parliamentary majority, positions him to tackle the pressing issues facing the nation and fulfill the aspirations of the electorate.
As he prepares to take office, the focus will be on fostering unity, addressing economic challenges, and ensuring that the voices of all Ghanaians are heard in the governance process.
The upcoming years will undoubtedly test his leadership, but with a committed mandate from the electorate, Mahama has the opportunity to guide Ghana toward a brighter and more prosperous future.
