The National Democratic Congress (NDC) party has emerged victorious in Ghana’s presidential election, defeating the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Former Ghanaian President John Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, has claimed the presidency in a significant comeback.
Celebrations erupted near the NDC headquarters in Accra on December 8, 2024, as Mahama’s supporters danced, waved flags, and celebrated the victory. Across the country, supporters took to the streets, cheering, blowing vuvuzelas, and spinning motorbikes to mark the win.
Ghana’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who ran as the NPP’s candidate, has conceded defeat and congratulated Mahama on his victory. “The people have voted for change,” said Bawumia.
Even some NPP supporters expressed discontent with the ruling party’s governance. “My party is NPP, but whatever they did was not good,” said one supporter, Nana. “The system was so bad in an election year, and most people were not happy.”
Economic Challenges Influence Election Outcome
The election took place amid Ghana’s worst economic crisis in decades. The cost of basic goods soared, unemployment among young people increased, and the country struggled to repay its debts.
Mahama’s supporters are optimistic that his leadership will bring relief. Salifu Abdul-Fatawu, speaking from the central city of Kumasi, said, “I’m so excited for this victory. I hope it means my sibling and I can get jobs and that the price of food and fuel will come down.”
Official Results Pending
Despite Bawumia’s concession, the Electoral Commission (EC) has yet to officially declare the results, citing delays caused by disruptions at collation centers. The EC has called on the police to clear the centers and ensure the process continues smoothly.
The NDC announced earlier that its internal tallies showed Mahama winning with 56% of the vote, compared to Bawumia’s 41%. Bawumia acknowledged that the NPP’s internal counts also confirmed Mahama’s decisive victory.
A Comeback for John Mahama
John Mahama, 65, previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017 but lost his bid for re-election in 2016 and again in 2020. His victory marks a stunning comeback.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, of the NPP, is stepping down after serving the maximum two terms. Since Ghana’s return to multi-party democracy in 1992, power has alternated between the NPP and NDC, with no party ever winning more than two consecutive terms.
Mahama’s earlier tenure was criticized for economic struggles, frequent power outages, and corruption scandals. However, many Ghanaians hope for a turnaround under his leadership this time.
In Tamale, NDC supporter Gajia One shared his optimism: “We handed over to them [NPP], thinking they could manage the country well, but they failed. John Mahama is the right man to rule this country. We are fed up.”
Ghanaians are watching closely as they await Mahama’s next steps in tackling the country’s pressing challenges.