Ghana’s former president, John Dramani Mahama, has reclaimed the presidency following a decisive victory in the country’s recent election, marking his return to power after three unsuccessful attempts.
His main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat on Sunday, acknowledging the people’s choice for change.
Bawumia, representing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), confirmed his loss after an internal party review showed Mahama won 56.3 percent of the vote, compared to 41.3 percent for Bawumia.
“The people of Ghana have spoken,” Bawumia said, reflecting the widespread desire for a change in leadership after two terms of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, which was marred by economic struggles, including high inflation and a debt default.
Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, received a congratulatory call from Bawumia, signaling the peaceful transition of power.
Mahama’s supporters took to the streets in Accra, celebrating his victory as he promised to “reset” the country’s economy and address issues like corruption in government procurement processes.
The election results, expected to be officially confirmed by Tuesday, are seen as a response to Ghana’s ongoing economic crisis, which led to a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
Mahama also sparked debate during his campaign by voicing support for the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, passed by Ghana’s parliament earlier this year.
This victory is historic for Mahama, making him the first president in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to return to office after being voted out.
Since the country’s return to multi-party democracy in 1992, power has alternated between the two main parties—NPP and Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC).
