Ghana Elections as Peaceful as Liberia's: Former President John Dramani Mahama Emerges Victorious"

Accra, Ghana: Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has emerged victorious in the country’s closely contested presidential election, with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceding defeat. In a gesture of goodwill, Bawumia announced that he had personally called Mahama to offer his congratulations.

“I respect the people's decision, and I humbly accept the outcome,” Bawumia said. He further confirmed that Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) had also won the parliamentary elections.

According to reports from Ghana, official election results are still pending, Mahama’s party, the NDC, has shared its own internal figures, showing that Mahama won 56.3% of the vote, while Bawumia garnered 41.3%. Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s spokesperson, declared that Mahama’s victory reflected the electorate’s demand for change. “It is clear the people have chosen change,” Gyamfi said.

In a move aimed at diffusing tension ahead of the official results, Bawumia announced his concession before the Electoral Commission’s official declaration. He explained that he made the early statement to help maintain peace and avoid further unrest following reports of clashes at several polling stations.

Bawumia expressed his respect for the election outcome, stating, "The people have voted for change, and we accept that decision with humility."

While voting on Saturday was largely peaceful, two fatalities were reported in election-related violence. One person was shot and killed in the northern part of the country, while another died from gunshot wounds in the central region, according to police reports.

John Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, campaigned on a platform to “reset” the nation’s economy and address the challenges faced by young Ghanaians. His message resonated with voters looking for solutions to Ghana’s current economic difficulties. Mahama has pledged to lead the country through these crises, with a focus on job creation and economic recovery.

Following Bawumia’s call, Mahama confirmed his victory on social media, describing the win as “emphatic” and reiterating his determination to guide Ghana through a difficult period.

As Mahama prepares to return to office, attention will shift to forming a new government and addressing the pressing economic challenges facing the nation. His leadership will be pivotal in guiding Ghana through a period of economic turbulence, and his success will depend on uniting the country and restoring financial stability.