In a press briefing on Sunday, 8 December 2024, just a day after the general elections, Bawumia admitted that Mahama had won the presidency, based on provisional results from the NPP's internal tallies.
Although the Electoral Commission has not yet made an official declaration, Bawumia's concession has been widely seen as an acknowledgment of Mahama's victory.
According to Bawumia, the NPP's internal results showed that Mahama's National Democratic Congress (NDC) had not only won the presidential race but also secured a majority in the parliamentary elections. Although some seats were still being tallied, Bawumia expressed confidence that the overall result would not change.
In his statement, Bawumia said, 'The people of Ghana have spoken, and they have voted for change at this time. We respect that decision with all humility.' He added that he had already called Mahama to congratulate him on his victory, a call which Mahama confirmed in a post on social media, stating.
'This morning, I received a congratulatory call from my brother Mahamudu Bawumia following my emphatic victory in the Saturday election. Thank you, Ghana,' he said.
Mahama's NDC had earlier claimed an early victory based on provisional results from their agents stationed in all 276 constituencies. Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC's National Communications Officer, declared at a party press conference on Sunday.
'From the results we have so far from our internal collation, it is clear that Ghanaians have rejected eight years of corruption, eight years of state capture.' He emphasized that the people of Ghana had voted for change, adding that the NDC had secured an 'unprecedented, historic victory.'
Despite the early claims, it is only the Electoral Commission (EC) that has the constitutional mandate to announce the final results of the election. As of 8:00 am on Sunday, the EC had yet to receive all the results at its National Collation Centre, according to an official statement.
The EC assured the public that once all the necessary data from the regional collation centres was received, the final results would be declared.
'The declaration of final results is based on a process enshrined in law. The pink sheet, signed by presiding officers and party agents at the 40,650 polling stations, will determine the final results,' the EC said.
The outcome of the election marks the end of two terms in power for the NPP, under President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down after reaching the constitutional limit of two terms.
Bawumia's concession signifies a shift in Ghana's political landscape after years of economic challenges, including high inflation, currency devaluation, and a debt default, which led to a $3bn bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
Mahama, 65, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, now has the chance to return to office in what would be a historic victory, as he becomes the first president in Ghana's Fourth Republic to reclaim the presidency after being voted out.
His campaign focused on promises of economic recovery, tackling corruption, and appealing to Ghana's youth.
In the wake of his apparent victory, Mahama's supporters have already begun celebrating, with cheers and blaring horns echoing through the streets of Accra.
The celebrations reflect the high hopes many Ghanaians have for the return of Mahama's leadership, particularly after the economic struggles the country has faced in recent years.
Though the final official results are yet to be declared, Mahama's early victory claims have set the stage for a potential change in leadership, with hopes that his return could usher in a new era of stability and growth for Ghana.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/ghana-s-former-president-john-mahama-wins-election
