The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has conceded defeat to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana’s 2024 presidential election.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate, announced his concession during a press briefing on Sunday, December 8, just a day after the general elections. His announcement came ahead of the Electoral Commission’s official declaration of the presidential results.
Bawumia’s decision followed a press conference held by the NDC, where they claimed an early lead in both the presidential and parliamentary elections. Speaking at the briefing, Bawumia stated that the party’s internal tallies indicated that the NDC’s candidate, John Mahama, had secured victory.
A Call to Congratulate
“I have called John Mahama to congratulate him on his victory,” Bawumia announced, adding that the outcome of the remaining results was unlikely to alter the overall projection.
Confirming the call, Mahama shared his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter):
“This morning, I received a congratulatory call from my brother Mahamudu Bawumia following my emphatic victory in Saturday’s election. Thank you, Ghana.”
NDC Claims Historic Victory
Earlier, the NDC declared an “unprecedented and historic victory,” citing provisional results from their agents across all 276 constituencies.
“The people of Ghana have rejected eight years of corruption and state capture,” said Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s National Communications Officer.
The NDC emphasized that while they believe the people have spoken decisively, the Electoral Commission remains the sole authority to officially declare the election outcome.
Upholding Democracy
In his concession speech, Bawumia expressed his commitment to preserving Ghana’s democratic reputation:
“It is vital that the world continues to see Ghana as a beacon of democracy and peace in Africa. Ghana is more important than individual ambition. We must put the nation first.”
Although the results were not what his party hoped for, Bawumia acknowledged the will of the voters and commended the efforts of his campaign team.
Electoral Commission Yet to Announce Official Results
The Electoral Commission (EC) clarified that as of Sunday morning, results had yet to reach the National Collation Center. They assured the public that the official declaration would follow due process, emphasizing that the pink sheets from all polling stations would determine the final outcome.
Transition of Power
President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has reached the constitutional two-term limit, will step down. Meanwhile, John Mahama, aged 65, returns to the presidency after previously serving from 2012 to 2017. His earlier tenure was marked by economic challenges, power shortages, and corruption scandals, but many Ghanaians are optimistic about a different approach this time.
As the nation awaits the Electoral Commission’s official results, the peaceful transition underscores Ghana’s standing as a model of democracy in Africa.
