Ghana’s recent elections on December 7, 2024, showcased a peaceful and democratic process, with John Mahama defeating incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. Bawumia conceded before official results were announced, setting a collaborative tone for the political transition. The NDC gained a majority in parliament, and international observers commended the elections. This successful electoral process demonstrates Africa’s growing commitment to democracy.
Ghanaians have once again proven to the rest of Africa that elections can be conducted in an environment of free will and with integrity. The presidential and parliamentary elections held on December 7, 2024, demonstrated the nation’s ability to embrace democracy and allow for the peaceful transition of power. Voter turnout was significant, highlighting the importance of the elections in the eyes of the populace.
The spotlight was on two main contenders: Mahamudu Bawumia, the current Vice President representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and John Mahama, the candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Following the electoral process, the Electoral Commission declared John Mahama as the winner with 6,328,397 votes, equating to 56.55%, whilst Bawumia received 4,657,304 votes or 41.61%. Notably, Bawumia conceded defeat gracefully before the official results were announced, referring to the internal collation data of his party. He remarked, “The people of Ghana have spoken; the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect it with humility.”
The NDC also achieved a substantial victory in the parliamentary elections, winning 187 seats compared to the NPP’s 80, further solidifying its mandate within the 276-seat parliament. Crucially, these elections occurred without reports of violence or disruption, a fact acknowledged by both local and international observers, including organizations such as ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, and the European Union, who commended the electoral process as peaceful and reflective of the voters’ will.
At Daily Trust, we extend our congratulations to the leaders and citizens of Ghana for setting a precedent of democratic governance, showcasing that it is feasible to conduct elections without discord. Ghana’s success follows a similar peaceful transition of power in Botswana and reflects a growing trend of democratic accountability across the continent. History shows that for several elections, including Mahama’s own defeat in 2016 and his recent victory, the nation has exemplified a commitment to the electoral process.
This critical juncture reinforces the belief that Africa’s path to genuine development hinges on democratically elected officials who are held accountable through fair elections. We encourage the new administration to address the economic challenges expressed by voters. The electorate clearly indicated dissatisfaction with the previous leadership’s economic strategies, and it will be essential for the new government to fulfill the promises made during the campaign.
As the nation celebrates this democratic milestone, it is important for all Ghanaians to realize that the true victors are the citizens themselves, who will benefit from continued peace and electoral integrity. We commend the Electoral Commission for their efficiency and effective handling of the elections, serving as a model for other nations in Africa. This successful electoral process not only instills hope within Ghana but also for the African continent as a whole.
The recent elections in Ghana have garnered significant attention as a demonstration of democratic maturity within Africa. Historically, Ghana has been considered a beacon of stable governance in the region, often leading by example in electoral integrity. This article discusses the successful presidential and parliamentary elections held on December 7, 2024, which saw John Mahama emerge victorious after a competitive race against incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. The peaceful resolution of these elections highlights the significant strides African nations can make toward democratic governance.
In conclusion, the recent elections in Ghana stand as a testament to the country’s commitment to democratic values and the ability to conduct elections peacefully. With significant voter participation and an efficient electoral process acknowledged by various observers, Ghana has reinforced its reputation as a model of democracy in Africa. It is imperative that the newly elected officials remain accountable to their promises to the electorate and work towards addressing the pressing economic concerns expressed by citizens. The hope is that this example will inspire other African nations to uphold democratic traditions and peaceful transitions of power.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
