John Mahama Declared President-Elect of Ghana in 2024 Elections
Former President John Mahama has been declared the president-elect of Ghana, winning 56.55% of the vote in the December 2024 elections. He defeated incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded defeat. Mahama’s victory reflects a return to leadership after his prior presidency, alongside the notable election of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the first female Vice President of the country.
The recent presidential elections in Ghana have culminated in the triumph of former President John Mahama, who has been declared the president-elect by the Ghana Electoral Commission. Mahama, a representative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured victory over Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnering 56.55% of the total valid votes while Bawumia received 41.61%. Despite the absence of results from nine constituencies, it was established that these would not affect the overall outcome. With over 18 million eligible voters participating from approximately 40,000 polling stations, Mahama’s victory signals the end of the current president, Nana Akufo Addo’s, term on January 7, 2025. Following the elections, the NPP conceded defeat, with Vice President Bawumia publically congratulating Mahama, who reciprocated the acknowledgment via a social media platform.
John Dramani Mahama, whose early life began in Damongo on November 29, 1958, has had a notable political career spanning decades. He entered politics in 1996 by joining the NDC and subsequently represented his constituency as a Member of Parliament and served in several ministerial roles including Minister for Communications and Vice President before ascending to the presidency after the untimely death of President Atta Mills in 2012. He held the presidency until 2016, making history as the first leader born after Ghana’s independence.
Additionally, the recent elections witnessed another landmark, as Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was elected as the first female Vice President of Ghana, marking significant progress in the country’s political landscape. Opoku-Agyemang previously served as the Minister for Education and was distinguished as the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana. Together, Mahama and Opoku-Agyemang’s leadership is poised to navigate Ghana through upcoming challenges and opportunities.
The legal and political frameworks surrounding democratic elections in Ghana have facilitated a history of peaceful transitions of power. The recent presidential election, conducted on December 7, 2024, represents a critical moment for Ghana, signaling both continuity and change in leadership. John Mahama’s return to power embodies a reclamation of status after his previous two-term presidency, while the election of a female Vice President showcases advances in gender representation and inclusivity within the political arena. The electoral process engaged a significant segment of the population, emphasizing the importance of civic participation in shaping national governance.
In summary, John Mahama’s declaration as the president-elect of Ghana underscores a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, aligning with the principles of democracy and the will of the electorate. With the NPP conceding defeat, Mahama is set to assume leadership once more, bringing with him experience and a commitment to addressing the needs of Ghanaians. The election of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Vice President additionally highlights progressive strides in gender equality within Ghanaian politics.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
