Former President John Dramani Mahama has made a historic comeback as Ghana’s president, defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP) in Saturday’s election.
Although the Electoral Commission has not officially announced the results, Mahama is reported to have secured 56% of the vote, compared to Bawumia’s 41%. Despite the delay in official results, Bawumia has conceded defeat, stating, “The people have voted for change.”
The election occurred amid Ghana’s worst economic crisis in decades, marked by surging costs of goods, youth unemployment, and debt repayment struggles.
Celebrations erupted nationwide as Mahama’s supporters took to the streets, waving flags and expressing hope for improved economic conditions. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria congratulated Mahama on his return, expressing confidence in his leadership to promote peace and economic progress in the ECOWAS region.
However, the election has not been without incidents. Two people were killed in a dispute in Nyankpala, and warehouses were looted in Tamale and Damongo, where NDC supporters allegedly destroyed an Electoral Commission office in frustration over delayed results. The Commission has appealed for patience, emphasizing it has 72 hours to finalize the process.
