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Ghana’s Electoral Commission has officially declared former president and opposition leader, John Dramani Mahama, as the winner of the country’s recent presidential election. Mahama secured 56.55% of the votes, according to provisional results, defeating his main rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mahama, 66, who previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2016, described Bawumia as a symbol of policies that led to Ghana’s worst economic crisis in decades. The electoral commission announced that votes had been counted in 267 of the 276 constituencies, with voter turnout recorded at 60.9%.
In a show of unity, Bawumia conceded defeat on Sunday in both the presidential and legislative elections, a move aimed at maintaining peace and easing tensions.
Speaking to jubilant supporters, Mahama expressed gratitude for the mandate and cautioned against complacency, stating, “This mandate serves as a constant reminder of what fate awaits us if we fail to meet the aspirations of our people and govern with humility.”
Ghana has been grappling with an economic crisis and rising costs of living, which have eroded the popularity of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration and fueled demand for leadership change. As one of the world’s largest producers of cocoa, gold, and oil, the country has faced significant financial challenges.
Mahama emphasized the electorate’s dissatisfaction with poor governance, pledging “severe measures and governance reforms” to “reset our nation.”
Before the election, Mahama outlined plans to renegotiate the $3-billion International Monetary Fund bailout secured last year to address the nation’s debt crisis. He also promised to ease business regulations, implement tax reforms, introduce a 24-hour work system, and invest $10 billion in modernizing Ghana’s infrastructure.
This election victory marks a pivotal moment for Ghana as Mahama prepares to address the economic challenges and steer the nation toward recovery.
