John Mahama Declared New President of Ghana Following 2024 Elections

John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress has been declared the president-elect of Ghana after winning the December 7, 2024 elections, defeating incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party. Mahama received 56.55% of the votes, marking his return to office. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang also made history as the first female Vice President-elect of Ghana.

The Ghana Electoral Commission has officially announced John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the newly elected president of Ghana. At 65 years old, Mahama triumphed over his closest competitor, the outgoing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the elections held on December 7, 2024. Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa, confirmed that Mahama garnered 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid tally, compared to Bawumia’s 4,657,304 votes (41.61%).

The elections witnessed participation from over 18 million citizens across approximately 40,000 polling centers. Even with pending results from nine constituencies, the outcome was clear enough that President Nana Akufo-Addo’s term will conclude on January 7, 2025, upon handing over authority to Mahama. Prior to the official results, Bawumia accepted defeat, acknowledging Mahama’s victory and expressing his congratulations through a phone call, which Mahama confirmed on social media.

John Dramani Mahama has an extensive background in politics. He was born in Damongo, Northern Region, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Ghana. Mahama entered public service in 1996, representing the Bole-Bamboi constituency. He served in various capacities, including as Deputy Minister of Communications, Minister of Communications, and as Vice President before ascending to the presidency in 2012 after the death of President John Atta Mills.

Additionally, Ghana has made strides in its political landscape with the election of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the first female Vice President-elect. A highly regarded academic, Opoku-Agyemang has had notable roles, including being the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana and Minister for Education under Mahama’s previous administration. Together, Mahama and Opoku-Agyemang are poised to lead Ghana for the next four years.

The recent presidential election in Ghana saw significant voter engagement, reflecting the democratic processes in a nation deeply invested in its governance. John Dramani Mahama, who has previously served as president, reclaimed his position after a competitive electoral race against the ruling party’s candidate. The election outcome highlights the political dynamics in Ghana, characterized by alternating power between parties. Mahama’s election also marked a significant milestone with his running mate, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, becoming the nation’s first female Vice President-elect, a step forward for gender representation in Ghanaian politics.

In conclusion, John Mahama’s election as president underscores a pivotal moment for Ghana’s political landscape, demonstrating the electorate’s trust in the NDC to lead the nation. With a robust political background and a commitment to addressing the needs of Ghanaians, Mahama, alongside Opoku-Agyemang, is tasked with the challenges of governance in the upcoming term. This election not only reshapes leadership in Ghana but also sets a precedent for future female leadership in politics.

Original Source: www.bbc.com