Ghana results set to confirm opposition election victory

Ghana’s presidential election results are confirming a decisive victory for opposition leader and former president John Mahama, marking a remarkable political comeback. With official tallies from 12 of 16 regions, Mahama leads with 61% of the vote, leaving Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia trailing at 38%.

“I accept the will of the people and congratulate President-elect John Mahama,” Bawumia said on Sunday, acknowledging defeat even as Ghanaians expressed frustration over delays in releasing the full results. President Nana Akufo-Addo is stepping down after completing the two-term constitutional limit, paving the way for Mahama’s return to power.

The election comes amid Ghana’s worst economic crisis in decades, with high unemployment, skyrocketing costs of living, and environmental destruction from illegal gold mining (*galamsey*) driving public demand for change. “This victory is for every Ghanaian who has struggled and suffered,” Mahama said, promising to transform Ghana into a “24-hour economy.”

Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) reclaimed key regions previously held by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Bono, Ahafo, Western, and Central. Results from the Ashanti region, an NPP stronghold, are still awaited but unlikely to shift the outcome.

Mahama’s victory follows two consecutive defeats to Akufo-Addo in 2016 and 2020, underscoring his political resilience. “I have learned from the past and am ready to lead Ghana into a brighter future,” he said.

As no party has ever won more than two consecutive terms in Ghana’s multi-party democracy, this election continues the country’s tradition of power alternation since 1992. Mahama will be sworn in on January 7, 2025, with Ghanaians hopeful that his second chance will bring lasting change.