The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana after a prolonged delay officially declared the results of the 2024 presidential election on the evening of December 9, confirming that John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, emerged victorious. Jean Mensa, the EC chairperson and returning officer, made the announcement, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to transparency.
John Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2016, secured 56.55% of the vote, surpassing his main rival, Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 6,328,397 votes. The results were finalized after careful verification of the vote counts from across the nation, despite a slight delay due to pending results from nine constituencies.
Bawumia, acknowledging the election outcome on December 7, quickly conceded defeat, highlighting his respect for the will of the people. He called for a peaceful transfer of power and urged national unity to ensure the country’s progress. His prompt and gracious acceptance was a clear sign of his commitment to Ghana’s democratic processes.
With Mahama’s victory confirmed, the nation now looks ahead to his leadership in addressing key challenges, such as youth unemployment, economic recovery, tackling corruption, and improving infrastructure. As Mahama prepares for his second term in office, the NDC is focused on uniting the country and tackling urgent issues in various sectors.
The peaceful transition, underscored by Bawumia’s dignified concession, sets the stage for a smooth handover of power. Mahama’s team will begin the transition process in the coming days, preparing for the official inauguration in January 2025, as Ghana embarks on a new chapter under his leadership.