Ghana’s troubled economy was a dominant issue in the election. After years of economic turmoil, including currency devaluation, high inflation, and a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout, many voters expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s handling of the crisis.
Accra, Ghana – Ghana’s Vice President and ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, has conceded defeat to opposition leader and former President John Mahama in the country’s presidential election.
Bawumia announced his concession on Sunday, following Saturday’s polls, which highlighted widespread public frustration over Ghana’s struggling economy. The defeat signals the end of two consecutive terms for the NPP under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose administration faced severe economic challenges, including high inflation and a debt default.
“The people of Ghana have spoken and they have voted for change at this time. We respect this with all humility,” Bawumia stated at a press conference. He confirmed congratulating Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, on his victory.
Mahama’s Comeback Victory
John Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, celebrated his return to power as supporters of the NDC gathered in Accra with cheers and jubilation. On his social media platform, Mahama acknowledged Bawumia’s call, describing his win as an “emphatic victory.”
The NDC also claimed a decisive win in the parliamentary elections, according to the NPP’s internal vote tally. NDC spokesperson Sammy Gyamfi said their review of results showed Mahama winning 56.3% of the vote against Bawumia’s 41.3%.
“It is very clear that the people of this country have voted for change,” Gyamfi told reporters.
Economic Woes at the Center of Election
Ghana’s troubled economy was a dominant issue in the election. After years of economic turmoil, including currency devaluation, high inflation, and a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout, many voters expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s handling of the crisis.
Although inflation dropped from over 50% to about 23% in recent months, the economic strain remained palpable, undermining Bawumia’s campaign slogan, “Break the 8,” which aimed to secure an unprecedented third term for the NPP.
Official Results Pending
Despite the NDC’s confidence in Mahama’s victory, the Electoral Commission has yet to officially declare the results. Commission Deputy Commissioner Bossman Asare said regional results were still being collated, with an official announcement expected by Tuesday.
Since returning to multi-party democracy in 1992, Ghana has maintained a reputation for political stability, with power alternating between the NPP and NDC.
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