Mahama Makes History: Former President Wins Ghana's Presidential Election in Stunning Comeback

Mahama Makes History: Former President Wins Ghana's Presidential Election in Stunning Comeback

John Dramani Mahama, the candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has won Ghana's presidential election, defeating incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). This triumph marks a historic moment in Ghana's Fourth Republic, as Mahama becomes the first president to reclaim the presidency after being voted out.

Mahama's win is a testament to his perseverance, having previously attempted to regain the presidency twice. The 66-year-old former president, who served from 2012 to 2017, campaigned on a promise to "reset" Ghana's economy, renegotiate parts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal, and introduce a "24-hour" economy to create jobs. These pledges resonated with younger voters, who are eager for economic change.

The election was largely focused on Ghana's economic woes, including a debt default and a $3 billion IMF deal. Mahama's victory is expected to bring significant changes to Ghana's economic policies, with a focus on job creation and renegotiating the IMF deal .

Bawumia conceded defeat in a press conference, stating, "The data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the Presidential election decisively." He also acknowledged the NDC's victory in the parliamentary election, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and preserving Ghana's democratic reputation.

Mahama's historic win underscores Ghana's commitment to democratic principles and the peaceful transfer of power. The country's electoral system, which uses a two-round system for presidential elections and first-past-the-post voting for parliamentary seats, has once again demonstrated its effectiveness .

In the parliamentary election, the NDC secured a majority, with Mahama's running mate, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, playing a crucial role in the campaign. The NDC's victory in both the presidential and parliamentary elections marks a significant shift in Ghana's political landscape.

As Mahama prepares to take office, he faces significant challenges, including addressing Ghana's economic woes and fulfilling his campaign promises. His victory, however, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the Ghanaian people's desire for change.