John Mahama Declared President-Elect in Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Elections
The Ghana Electoral Commission has declared John Mahama as the president-elect following the December 7 elections, where he secured 56.55% of the vote. Mahama’s closest competitor, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, received 41.61%. The transition of power is scheduled for January 7, 2025, following a remarkable voter turnout. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has been elected as the first female Vice President of Ghana, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s political history.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana has officially declared former president John Mahama as the president-elect following the recent presidential elections held on December 7, 2024. Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured 6,328,397 votes, equating to 56.55% of the total valid votes cast. His closest competitor, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), gathered 4,657,304 votes or 41.61%. Although results from nine constituencies are pending, the commission confirmed these would not alter the overall outcome. Voter participation included over 18 million citizens across approximately 40,000 polling centers. President Nana Akufo-Addo will formally hand over power on January 7, 2025.
In a complementary press briefing, Dr. Bawumia conceded defeat shortly after the NDC proclaimed an early lead in the elections. He extended his congratulations to Mahama via a call, which Mahama publicly acknowledged in a post on social media, expressing gratitude for the support from the Ghanaian populace.
John Dramani Mahama was born on November 29, 1958, in Damongo, Northern Region, of Ghana. He is the son of Emmanuel Adama Mahama, a notable politician and regional commissioner. Mahama commenced his political career in 1996 with the NDC, representing the Bole-Bamboi constituency. His trajectory included roles such as Deputy Minister and later Minister for Communications, and Vice President under John Atta Mills, whom he succeeded in 2012. Mahama’s significance in Ghana’s political timeline is underscored by his historical first term as president achieved in 2012, where he became the first leader born post-independence.
In a historic milestone for Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has been elected as the first female Vice President. Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, she previously served as the Minister for Education under Mahama’s presidency and made her name as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana.
The recent presidential election in Ghana marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape, highlighting the democratic process that allows for the peaceful transfer of power. The election saw significant voter turnout and engagement, a reflection of the citizens’ commitment to democracy. John Mahama’s victory not only reinstates a former leader but also emphasizes the shifting dynamics within the country’s political arena. The election results underscore the significant role of grassroots political movements and the importance of evolving public sentiment, especially in the wake of economic challenges.
In conclusion, John Mahama’s victory in the 2024 Ghanaian presidential elections solidifies his leadership role once again, promising to bring political continuity. This election showcased the resilience of Ghana’s democratic framework, with high voter participation and a peaceful transition of power. Additionally, the election of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the first female Vice President signals progress toward greater gender representation in Ghana’s political landscape. Such developments highlight the engaged citizenry and the potential for enhanced governance in the country.
Original Source: www.bbc.com