By Mike Odeh, Accra.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has conceded defeat in Ghana’s 2024 elections. He extended his congratulations to former President John Mahama, signaling a return to power for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
During a concession speech delivered on Sunday, Mr. Bawumia acknowledged that the NPP’s internal data indicates a decisive victory for the NDC in both the presidential and parliamentary races. This admission comes ahead of the official results from the Electoral Commission of Ghana, which are still pending as the vote collation continues nationwide.
The presidential election, held on Saturday, has been a source of mounting tension, with officials from both parties making inflammatory statements in press briefings. Mr. Bawumia’s concession is seen as a crucial step in reducing tensions and maintaining peace.
“Our internal collation of the election results clearly shows that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively,” Mr. Bawumia stated. “The NDC has also secured victory in the parliamentary election. Although we are awaiting the final collation of a few seats, I am confident that these will not alter the overall outcome.”
Mr. Bawumia emphasized that his early concession aims to prevent further unrest and uphold national peace. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and party members, highlighting the importance of Ghana’s peaceful reputation to the global business community. “It is crucial that the international investor community continues to have faith in Ghana’s peaceful and democratic nature,” he remarked. “The people have chosen change, and we humbly respect their decision.”
Former President Mahama’s victory marks a successful comeback after losing the 2016 and 2020 elections. Notably, this election could also lead to Ghana appointing its first female vice-president, with Jane Opoku-Agyemang, a 73-year-old former Minister of Education, poised to make history.
While the Electoral Commission is yet to officially declare the results, Mr. Bawumia’s concession effectively renders the formal announcement a formality. The political landscape in Ghana now shifts as it prepares for a new leadership chapter under Mahama.
