By: Mohammed A. Abu
Following the generally peaceful Presidential and Parliamentary elections held on December 7, in the West African nation of Ghana, the Chairperson of the country’s Electoral Commission(EC), Jean Mensa, on December.9, declared the country’s former President John Dramani Mahama as the winner of the country’s 2024 Presidential elections and President elect.
According to Jean Mensa, who is also the EC’s returning officer, Mr. John Mahama polled 6,328,397 representing 56.55% of the total ballot cast, while his main contestant, the vice president and presidential candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on his part, secured 4, 657, 304, representing 41.61%.
“As a commission, we have fulfilled our vowed aspiration to have transparency at the heart of our operations”, she said as she declared the results” adding, “voters choce as expressed in the polls are sacrosanct”.
President elect, Mr. John Dramani Mahama in his maiden post-election speech, vowed to “initiate important governance reforms and sometimes severe measures” over the next four years to reset the nation and bring it back on track as “the Black Star of Africa.”
“This mandate represents a call to action… This mandate marks a new beginning and sets the tone for a new direction for our beloved country. Ghana is not for one man or one family. It is for all of us, and we must not only be born and die here, but we must all live here with satisfaction,”
He also thanked Ghanaians both in Ghana and abroad for continuing to believe in Ghana’s democracy despite the challenges.
Prior to the official announcement of the Presidential election results by the EC Chairperson, Dr. Mahmud Bawumia, on December,7,had congratulated and conceded defeated to his main contestant, John Dramani Mahama now President elect of the National Democratic Congress(NDC).
Mahamudu Bawumia stated that his decision to concede ahead of the official announcement was aimed at reducing tension and upholding the country’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
“I said during the signing of the peace pact that I was sure of two things: Ghana will win, and peace will reign,” Dr. Bawumia recounted.
“The people of Ghana have spoken. The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”
“It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana. These are our most important assets,” Dr. Bawumia intimated, while reiterating his commitment to the nation over personal political ambitions.
Dr. Bawumia expressed pride in his campaign and gratitude to the NPP for their support, while gracefully acknowledging the electoral outcome as part of the democratic process. “We put our best foot forward in the contest, explaining our policies and programs. However, it is sometimes the case that the voter would have other ideas,” he observed
He pledged the NPP’s support for a seamless transition to the new government and assured Ghanaians that the party would adopt a constructive approach as the opposition.
“We will not be a disruptive opposition, even though we will subject government actions and policies to strict scrutiny in the interest of our beloved nation,” Dr Bawumia stated.
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