President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extended his congratulations to John Dramani Mahama following his victory in Ghana’s 2024 presidential election. This marks a significant moment in the nation’s history as Mahama prepares to return to office after a highly competitive election.
Akufo-Addo Commits to Smooth Transition of Power
In a phone call to Mahama, President Akufo-Addo commended the president-elect on his decisive win and reaffirmed his commitment to a smooth handover of power. “I remain committed to facilitating a seamless transition process,” Akufo-Addo said, offering full cooperation from his administration to ensure a peaceful and efficient transfer of power on January 7, 2025.
Akufo-Addo also expressed his willingness to collaborate with Mahama and his team, stating that the transition will be in line with the principles of good governance. The current president’s emphasis on a smooth handover highlights Ghana’s dedication to democratic values, even amidst the political shift.
Ghana’s Peaceful and Credible Election
The victory follows the official declaration of the 2024 Presidential Election results by Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. Mahama, the candidate from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), won 56.6% of the vote, defeating Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41.6%. This marks one of the largest margins of victory in Ghana’s history in the past 24 years.
Voter turnout for the election was reported at 60.9%, demonstrating strong public engagement in the democratic process. Akufo-Addo applauded the Electoral Commission and the people of Ghana for ensuring a peaceful and credible election, stating, “This successful election is a testament to the collective commitment of Ghanaians to upholding the democratic process.”
Unity and Nation-Building: A Call for Collaboration
In his statement, President Akufo-Addo emphasised the importance of unity following the election. He called on all Ghanaians to come together to consolidate democracy and strengthen the rule of law. “This is a time for collaboration and nation-building. I call on all citizens to work in harmony to further strengthen our democracy,” he said.
The president’s message of peace comes at a time when Ghana is facing significant challenges, including an economic crisis and rising public frustration over issues like unemployment and inflation. Akufo-Addo’s call for national unity aims to rally Ghanaians toward a collective effort to address these challenges.
To begin the transition process, President Akufo-Addo has invited President-elect Mahama to a meeting at Jubilee House on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The meeting will set the tone for a structured and cooperative handover of power, ensuring that Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa remains intact.
This meeting will lay the groundwork for a smooth transition of power, which is critical for Ghana’s political stability. Akufo-Addo demonstrates a commitment to a peaceful transfer of power, showcasing democratic maturity in Africa, where political transitions often face tension.
A New Beginning for Ghana
John Mahama’s victory has been hailed as a new beginning for Ghana. Following his official declaration as the winner, Mahama, 65, expressed gratitude to the people of Ghana for giving him and his National Democratic Congress (NDC) the mandate to lead the country once again.
“I feel humbled that we have chalked one of the best results in the electoral history of Ghana,” Mahama said, acknowledging the significance of his win. Mahama’s return to the presidency comes after a tumultuous period for the country, with unemployment, inflation, and an ongoing debt crisis dominating the political discourse.
Mahama also made history with his choice of Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as Ghana’s first female vice president, marking a milestone in the country’s political history. Mahama’s campaign focused on revitalizing Ghana’s economy and transforming the country into a “24-hour economy” to address the economic hardships many Ghanaians have been facing.
The Defeat of the NPP and the Economic Crisis
Mahama’s victory follows the significant challenges faced by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NPP, which has been in power since 2016, suffered heavy losses in several key regions, including Bono, Ahafo, Western, and Central, which the NPP had previously won in the 2020 elections.
The NPP’s defeat is largely attributed to public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economic crisis, rising costs of living, and several high-profile scandals. The economic downturn led to widespread frustration, and many voters turned to Mahama’s NDC as an alternative.
The loss for the NPP is seen as one of the heaviest defeats in recent memory. With Bawumia conceding defeat early, Mahama’s supporters have taken to the streets to celebrate the outcome, waving flags, cheering, and riding motorbikes in jubilant displays of support.
Political History: Mahama’s Second Chance
This election is also a political comeback for Mahama, who served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017 before losing to Akufo-Addo. Mahama faced economic challenges during his previous administration, including power outages and corruption scandals. However, his second presidential bid offers a new approach to governance.
Mahama’s victory represents a shift in Ghana’s political landscape, which has alternated power between the NPP and NDC since the return to multi-party politics in 1992. No party has won more than two consecutive terms, a trend that continues with Akufo-Addo stepping down after completing his two-term limit.
Celebrations and Concerns After the Election
While the election was largely peaceful, there were isolated incidents of violence, including two deaths in separate shootings and the destruction of the Electoral Commission office in Damongo. These incidents, reportedly caused by delays in the announcement of the results, did not overshadow the overall peaceful conduct of the election.
Despite these incidents, Mahama’s supporters across the country are celebrating his victory with enthusiasm, hoping for a change in Ghana’s fortunes under his leadership. “I’m so excited for this victory,” said Salifu Abdul-Fatawu, a supporter from Kumasi. “I hope this will mean jobs for me and my family, and that the price of food and fuel will come down.”
Looking Ahead: The Challenges and Hopes for the Future
Mahama’s victory, amid Ghana’s ongoing economic crisis, signals both a return to power for the NDC and a shift in political momentum. The country faces significant challenges, and Mahama’s leadership will undergo testing as he addresses the economic issues and public dissatisfaction that shaped the election.
As Ghana prepares for Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, 2025, the transition is a critical moment for the country. The peaceful and collaborative transfer of power under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership sets a positive example for the continent, demonstrating the resilience of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Ghana’s peaceful elections and orderly transition of power reinforce the country’s status as a model for democratic governance in Africa. As the nation prepares for the challenges ahead, Mahama’s return to the presidency presents an opportunity for change, with Ghanaians hopeful that his leadership will bring the stability and progress the country needs in the coming years.
