Ghana’s former president, John Dramani Mahama, has made a historic return to power after winning the weekend’s presidential election. Voters decisively chose change, punishing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its handling of an economic crisis that left many Ghanaians grappling with high living costs and inflation.
NPP candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat on Sunday, acknowledging his party’s loss after eight years in power under President Nana Akufo-Addo. Bawumia congratulated Mahama, saying, “The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change, and we respect it with all humility.”
Mahama’s Historic Comeback
Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, secured this victory on his third attempt to reclaim Ghana’s top office after defeats in 2016 and 2020. His National Democratic Congress (NDC) party claimed he won with 56.3% of the vote, compared to 41.3% for Bawumia.
Supporters of the NDC celebrated jubilantly in Accra, with horns blaring and flags waving, marking the return of Mahama to power.
Economic Challenges Key to Victory
Ghana’s economic challenges dominated the election, with frustrations over high inflation, currency devaluation, and the recent $3 billion IMF bailout driving voter sentiment. While the ruling NPP touted improvements such as inflation dropping from 50% to 23%, public discontent with economic hardship overshadowed these gains.
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Bawumia’s campaign struggled to overcome criticism of the NPP’s economic record, which provided an opening for Mahama to present himself as the leader of change.
Looking Ahead
Ghana’s Electoral Commission is expected to release official results by Tuesday, though Bawumia’s early concession underscores the decisive nature of Mahama’s win. This election continues Ghana’s legacy of peaceful democratic transitions, with power alternating between the NPP and NDC since 1992.
As Mahama prepares to take office, Ghanaians look to him to deliver on promises of economic recovery and stability after years of financial turmoil.
