John Mahama has been declared the winner of the 2024 Ghana presidential elections, receiving 56.55% of the votes. He will replace Nana Akufo Addo as president, with Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang becoming the country’s first female vice president. The election, involving over 18 million voters, was marked by the NPP’s concession of defeat.
In the recent presidential elections in Ghana, former president John Mahama has been declared the winner by the Ghana Electoral Commission. Representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahama emerged victorious against several candidates in the election held on December 7, 2024. The announcement was made by Jean Mensa, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, in Accra. Mahama received 6,328,397 votes, which accounts for 56.55% of the valid votes, defeating Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the outgoing vice president and candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 4,657,304 votes (41.61%). Although results from nine constituencies were pending, it was stated that their absence would not alter the election outcome.
The electoral process involved over 18 million citizens casting their votes across 40,000 polling stations to elect a new president and parliamentary members. Following the official declaration, the NPP conceded defeat, with Vice President Bawumia acknowledging Mahama’s victory and publicly congratulating him. Mahama, in turn, confirmed receiving a congratulatory call from Bawumia, expressing gratitude for the support from the Ghanaian populace.
John Dramani Mahama was born on November 29, 1958, in Damongo, Northern Region, and has a longstanding political history in Ghana. Engaging in politics since 1996 with the NDC, Mahama has held various positions, including Deputy Minister and Minister for Communications, as well as the Vice Presidency from 2009 until he assumed the presidency in 2012 after the death of President Atta Mills. Mahama is notable for being the first head of state born after the country declared independence in 1957. His significant win marks his return to leadership, succeeding Nana Akufo Addo, with a term beginning on January 7, 2025.
In another remarkable development in Ghana’s political history, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has been elected as the first female vice president alongside Mahama. Born on November 22, 1951, she has had a prominent academic career, culminating in her appointment as the first female Vice Chancellor at any Ghanaian university. Opoku-Agyemang also served as Minister for Education under Mahama’s previous administration and is expected to play a vital role in his government as they lead the nation together for the next four years.
The Ghana presidential elections are significant events held every four years, wherein citizens elect their leader and parliamentary representatives. The 2024 elections held on December 7 led to a highly competitive race primarily between the National Democratic Congress and the ruling New Patriotic Party. This election is particularly notable due to various candidates’ historical backgrounds and the pivotal roles they have played in Ghana’s political landscape. The newly elected officials will commence their terms on January 7, 2025, marking a new chapter in Ghana’s governance.
In conclusion, the recent presidential election result signifies a crucial transition in Ghanaian leadership, with John Mahama reclaiming the presidency and Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang making history as the first female vice president. This election not only reflects the democratic values upheld by the nation but also showcases the citizens’ choice for a leadership that resonates with their aspirations. The political landscape is poised for change as Mahama prepares to govern Ghana once more, leading alongside Opoku-Agyemang.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
