Ghana’s former president, John Dramani Mahama, has reclaimed the presidency in a remarkable political comeback. His main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat on Sunday, citing results from his own campaign’s internal coalition. Mahama’s victory also signals a broader triumph for his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which secured a majority in the parliamentary elections.
A Graceful Concession Amid Electoral Tensions
Addressing the nation from his residence, Bawumia confirmed he had personally congratulated Mahama, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining peace in Ghana.
“The data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively,” Bawumia said. “The NDC has also won the parliamentary election. Even though we await the final collation of a number of seats, I believe ultimately these will not change the outcome.”
Bawumia’s concession, made prior to the Electoral Commission’s official announcement, was a strategic move to defuse tensions that had begun to escalate in certain constituencies. Reports of scuffles at local collation centers underscored the need for calm as results trickled in from polling stations across the nation.
“I am making this concession speech before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country,” Bawumia said. “It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana. The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”
A Lesson in Democracy
Ghana’s election has drawn regional and global attention, with observers praising the transparency and conduct of the process. The maturity displayed by both candidates stands in stark contrast to contentious elections in other parts of Africa, including neighboring Nigeria.
In an ironic twist, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, was in Ghana during the election, discussing electoral best practices. This has sparked criticism back home in Nigeria, where Yakubu has faced scrutiny for INEC’s handling of the country’s presidential elections.
Two years after Nigeria’s elections, INEC has yet to fully upload results on its electronic results platform, the IReV portal, leaving many Nigerians questioning the integrity of the process. Critics argue that Ghana’s smooth electoral process, in which results were promptly collated and transparency upheld, highlights the shortcomings of Nigeria’s electoral system.
A Victory for Ghanaian Democracy
John Dramani Mahama’s victory marks a significant moment in Ghana’s political history, underscoring the resilience of its democratic institutions. The former president’s return to power comes at a time of economic and social challenges, and he now faces the task of uniting a divided electorate and steering Ghana towards stability and growth.
Meanwhile, Mahamudu Bawumia’s statesmanlike concession has drawn praise for prioritizing national peace over political rivalry. His acknowledgment of the people’s mandate reflects a commitment to democratic principles that many hope will inspire other nations in the region.
As Ghana ushers in a new political chapter, the international community looks on with admiration for its commitment to free and fair elections. The contrast with Nigeria’s electoral challenges serves as a reminder of the work still needed across the region to strengthen democratic processes.
For Ghanaians, the election outcome signals a renewed hope for progress and unity under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama.
