Accra, Dec 8 – Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election after Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat on Sunday, signaling a shift in leadership for the West African nation.
Bawumia, speaking at a press conference from his residence, announced that his party’s internal vote tallies confirmed Mahama’s victory and that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had also secured a majority in parliament.
“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 said. “The NDC has also won the parliamentary election. Even though we await final collation of a number of seats, I believe these will not change the outcome.”
Bawumia said he decided to concede before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission to reduce tensions. Reports of scuffles in several constituency centers emerged as results continued to arrive from polling stations.
“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,” Bawumia said. “It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana. The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”
