In a significant move that has helped quell rising tensions following Ghana’s 2024 presidential election, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has officially conceded defeat and congratulated former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a speech delivered on Sunday, Bawumia acknowledged that internal data from his party’s election collations indicated a decisive victory for Mahama in both the presidential and parliamentary polls, even as the Electoral Commission of Ghana has yet to officially announce the final results. The election, held on Saturday, is still in the process of collating results, with some votes yet to be counted. However, as tensions between the two parties mounted, Bawumia’s concession was seen as an important step in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
“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, adding that the NDC had also secured a majority in the parliamentary elections. While the final collation of some parliamentary seats is still pending, Bawumia expressed confidence that these results would not alter the overall outcome.
In his speech, Bawumia stressed the importance of preserving national peace, making his concession before the official announcement from the Electoral Commission in order to avoid further unrest. “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,” he said.
While acknowledging the disappointment of his supporters, Bawumia used the occasion to thank his party members and express his belief in the continued peaceful democratic process in Ghana. “It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana,” he noted. “The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”
The NPP’s decision to concede early has been widely seen as a move to reinforce Ghana’s reputation as a stable democracy in West Africa. With this gesture, Bawumia sought to ensure that Ghana’s political stability remains intact despite the fierce electoral competition.
For Mahama, the victory marks a remarkable political comeback after two consecutive defeats in the 2016 and 2020 elections. His return to power comes amid significant challenges, including a weakened economy and internal party divisions, but his win is seen as a reflection of the desire for change among a portion of the electorate.
Beyond Mahama’s return, the 2024 elections are historic for another reason. If the final results hold, Jane Opoku-Agyemang, a 73-year-old former Minister of Education, will become Ghana’s first female vice president. Opoku-Agyemang’s potential ascent to the vice-presidency is a milestone for women in Ghanaian politics, furthering the country’s progress on gender equality.
While the Electoral Commission of Ghana is expected to make the official announcement soon, Bawumia’s early concession has rendered the final result a mere formality. His move has been widely applauded as an example of democratic maturity and a commitment to peace and stability in the country.
