In the 2024 Ghanaian presidential election, incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost to John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). With his win, Mahama returns to the presidency, having held the office from 2012 to 2017.
Significant changes in parliamentary seats were also brought about by the elections, with the NDC gaining ground in a number of important constituencies.
Mr. John Mahama received 6,328,397 votes, or 56.55% of the vote, while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice president and presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%.
With more than 185 parliamentary representation, the newly elected NDC stunned everyone in the parliamentary elections.
The Electoral Commission officially announced and verified the official results on Monday, December 9.
Historic Events:
Several significant events and turning points occurred during the 2024 Ghanaian elections:
• Regaining the Presidency: Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost to National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader John Mahama. As a result, Mahama became the first Ghanaian leader to win back power after losing reelection during the Fourth Republic.
• High Youth Voter Turnout: Young people accounted for 55% of the electorate, and their involvement had a big impact on the election’s result, highlighting the significance of addressing issues that affect young people.
• NDC Gains in Parliamentary Seats: The NDC regained a number of seats that the NPP had previously held in parliamentary elections. Important triumphs included gains in areas that have historically been regarded as NPP strongholds, such as Ayawaso Central and Assin Central.
• Peaceful Transition of Power— Despite some logistical issues and isolated incidents of violence, the elections were largely peaceful. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s concession to Mahama reinforced Ghana’s democratic credentials and commitment to peaceful transitions of power.
• Introduction of Additional Constituencies
The elections were conducted across 276 constituencies, an increase from the previous 275, following a boundary review by the Electoral Commission.
• Special Voting Processes— Early voting by security personnel, media, and electoral officials occurred on December 2 and December 5, demonstrating Ghana’s effort to streamline election-day logistics.
These changes demonstrate the importance of peaceful elections, voter participation, and the function of political institutions while also reflecting the changing dynamics of Ghana’s democracy.
