John Dramani Mahama, a former president of Ghana, made a significant political comeback on Sunday after his main opponent conceded defeat in the country’s presidential election held on Saturday.
While official results are still pending, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, representing the governing party, confirmed that he had contacted Mahama to congratulate him. “Let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively,” Bawumia stated.
Ghana, a leading gold producer in Africa and a key U.S. ally, is currently facing one of its most severe economic crises in decades. The loss of Bawumia, who has been part of the administration struggling with a rising cost-of-living crisis, reflects a strong desire among Ghanaians for significant change.
Bawumia also noted that Mahama’s party had likely won the parliamentary election held concurrently, stating, “Even though we await final collation of a number of seats, I believe ultimately these will not change the outcome.”
Economic challenges were pivotal in the recent election, echoing the factors that led to Mahama's defeat in 2016 to Nana Akufo-Addo, during a time of economic turmoil influenced by falling oil and commodity prices.
Analysts assert there is minimal ideological difference between the opposing parties and candidates, both hailing from the historically marginalized, predominantly Muslim north of Ghana—a notable aspect in the Christian-majority nation. Mahama identifies as Christian, while Bawumia is Muslim.
Despite some minor incidents during the election, the overall environment was peaceful, and Bawumia's prompt concession suggests a smooth democratic transition is forthcoming, with Akuffo-Addo expected to leave office on January 7.
Bawumia expressed intentions to maintain peace, stating, “I am making this concession speech before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country.”
This election follows a series of peaceful contests in West Africa, contrasting sharply with recent years marked by coups and political instability.
During his campaign, Mahama promised to “reset” the country and aimed to connect with younger voters as the leader who could navigate Ghana out of its long-standing economic difficulties.