Ghana’s Former President John Dramani Mahama Secures Election Victory

John Dramani Mahama, who served as president from 2012-2017, won the presidential election at his third attempt after falling short in 2016 and 2020 elections.

Ghana’s economic woes dominated the election, following a crisis of default and currency devaluation. The country received a $3bn IMF bailout to address these issues.

The NPP’s candidate, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat after failing to shake off widespread frustration over the high cost of living.

Ghana has a history of democratic stability, with its two main parties, the NPP and NDC, alternating in power equally since the return to multiparty politics in 1992. Under the slogan “Break the 8,” Bawumia sought to lead the NPP to an unprecedented third term but struggled to break away from criticism of Akufo-Addo’s economic record.

For Mahama, it was his third attempt to reclaim the presidency after falling short in 2016 and 2020 elections. He received a congratulatory call from Bawumia over his “emphatic victory.”

Official results expected by Tuesday. NPP’s candidate conceded defeat. Mahama won 56.3% of the vote, against 41.3% for Bawumia (according to the NDC spokesperson Sammy Gyamfi).

Ghana’s former president John Dramani Mahama has won a historic comeback election victory after voters appeared to punish the ruling New Patriotic party (NPP) over its management of an economic crisis.

The continent’s top gold producer and world’s second-biggest cacao exporter, went through a crisis of default and currency devaluation, ending with a $3bn IMF bailout. The NDC spokesperson, Sammy Gyamfi, said the party’s internal review of results showed Mahama had won 56.3% of the vote, against 41.3% for Bawumia.

Blaring horns, waving flags, and cheering, Mahama supporters were already celebrating outside the party campaign headquarters in Accra. Official results are expected by Tuesday, but the NPP has conceded defeat.