Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama, has emerged victorious in the country’s presidential election after Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference from his residence, Bawumia confirmed that Mahama had decisively won the election.
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He further announced that Mahama’s party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured victory in the parliamentary polls as well.
“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 said. “The NDC has also won the parliamentary election. Even though we await final collation of a number of seats, I believe ultimately these will not change the outcome.”
Bawumia emphasized that his early concession aimed to ease tensions amidst reports of scuffles in some local constituency centres as polling results trickled in.
“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.
The Vice President also reassured the international community of Ghana’s stability. “It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana,” Bawumia stated. “The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”