Mahama completes Presidential comeback

…Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to become first female Vice President 

• Bawumia concedes defeat
• Economy triumphs digitalisaion

By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has conceded defeat in the 2024 general elections, congratulating former President John Dramani Mahama on what he described as a well-fought victory.

Last Saturday’s elections featured Dr. Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who campaigned on digitalisation and former President Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who promised to reset the economy through enhanced domestic manufacturing to boost job creation.

As provisional results from what was largely a peaceful election began trickling in after polls closed on Saturday night, Dr. Bawumia held a press conference in the capital on Sunday morning. During the briefing, he acknowledged that the provisional results favoured Mr. Mahama.

He said he had called the former President to congratulate him, adding that the National Democratic Congress also won the parliamentary election.

The announcement came even before the Electoral Commission (EC) officially declared the winner.

Democracy wins

Dr. Bawumia’s decision to concede defeat before the Electoral Commission’s official declaration of results has been hailed as a victory for Ghana’s democracy, which is widely regarded as a model on the African continent.

The gesture is expected to help restore calm following a highly tense election, during which two people lost their lives to election-related violence.

“I have spoken to President-elect John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him on his victory.  The people of Ghana have spoken. The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility. I thank God Almighty for how far he has brought me and I submit to His will.

“I am making this concession speech before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country. It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana. These are our most important assets. Ghana is more important than our individual political ambitions and we must always put Ghana first,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

Meanwhile, former President Mahama said in a post on X that: “I have, this morning, received a congratulatory call from my brother Dr. Bawumia, following my emphatic victory in Saturday’s election. Thank you, Ghana”.

Dr. Bawumia also pledged support for the incoming President and to the nation’s development saying: “I assure John Dramani Mahama of my full support in the transition process. As committed democrats, we pledge to ensure that we have a very smooth transition so that the business of government will continue seamlessly. The NPP would offer the needed support to the new government in a very responsible way.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have conceded defeat like any consummate Democrat would do. But we have not abandoned the fight to transform Ghana and expand opportunities to all sections of Ghanaian society. We will not be a disruptive opposition, even though we would subject government actions and policies to strict scrutiny in the interest of our beloved nation.”

The Vice President’s concession speech comes after a night of counting and intense anticipation, with provisional results from key constituencies indicating a strong lead for Mahama.

In a broader sense, the concession is being viewed as a statesmanlike move, intended to ease tensions and promote national unity.

Economic recovery

Former President Mahama, who campaigned on a platform of economic recovery and inclusive development, per the provisional results, appears to have gained the trust of voters amid growing dissatisfaction with economic hardships under the NPP government.

His 24-hour economy policy has been key in the manifesto of the NDC’s campaign, with John Mahama promising to transform Ghana’s economy and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals.

The elections focused heavily on issues such as the economy, unemployment and governance.

As Ghanaians await the Electoral Commission’s formal declaration, attention shifts to Mahama, with political analysts observing that his anticipated victory reflects the electorate’s strong desire for change.

His anticipated return to the presidency marks a new chapter in Ghana’s political landscape, with many looking forward to how his administration will tackle the pressing economic and social challenges facing the country.

Mr. Mahama will be supported by Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who is set to make history as Ghana’s first female Vice President.

The 2024 general election will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic moment, highlighting the resilience of Ghana’s democracy and the nation’s collective aspiration for progress and prosperity.

Former President John Dramani Mahama served as President of Ghana from 24 July 2012 to 7 January 2017.

He previously served as Vice President of Ghana from January 2009 to July 2012, and took office as President on 24 July 2012, following the death of his predecessor, John Evans Fiifi Attah Mills.

He was Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi from 1997 to 2009 and served as Deputy Minister of Communication between 1997 and 1998 before becoming the substantive Minister for Communication in 1998.

Mahama is the first Vice President to take over the Presidency from the death of his predecessor, John Evans Atta Mills, and is the first head of state of Ghana to have been born after Ghana’s independence. He was elected after December 2012 election to serve as full-time President.

He contested re-election for a second term in the 2016 election, but lost to the New Patriotic Party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, in 2016. This made him the first President in the history of Ghana to not have won a second term.

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