John Dramani Mahama has reclaimed Ghana’s presidency in a decisive election victory, defeating Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), benefited from widespread voter dissatisfaction with the NPP’s handling of the West African country’s growing economic crisis.

Bawumia conceded before the official results were announced on Sunday, 8 December, acknowledging Mahama’s “emphatic victory” to prevent tensions and safeguard Ghana’s democratic reputation.

Preliminary tallies indicated Mahama securing around 56% of the vote, with the NDC also winning a parliamentary majority. This victory marks the 66-year-old politician’s return to power after losing bids in 2016 and 2020.

His campaign focused on the NPP’s inability to address the nation’s economic struggles, including soaring inflation, a currency devaluation, and a $3-billion International Monetary Fund bailout after the country defaulted on its debt. Despite recent stabilisation, many Ghanaians remain frustrated with the high cost of living.

The NPP, in power since 2016, failed to extend its governance to a third term under the “Break the 8” slogan. Mahama now faces the challenge of taking on Ghana’s economic woes while rebuilding public confidence.

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