Ghana’s Vice-President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flag Bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has officially conceded defeat to John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 Presidential Election.
In a calm and respectful address delivered from his residence on Sunday, December 8, 2024, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged that Mahama had won the election decisively.
“Following yesterday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, Ghanaians at home and abroad have been sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome,” Dr. Bawumia said. “Let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has won the Presidential election decisively.”
Dr. Bawumia was flanked by key figures from his party, including NPP National Chairman Stephen Ayesu Ntim and his wife Samira Bawumia. The Vice-President revealed that he had personally called John Mahama to offer his congratulations.
“I have just called His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as President-elect of the Republic of Ghana,” Dr. Bawumia said. “I said during the signing of the peace pact that I was sure of two things: Ghana will win, and peace will reign.”
The message of peace was a recurring theme in Dr. Bawumia’s address. He emphasized that his decision to concede was aimed at reducing any tension and ensuring the stability of the nation.
“The people of Ghana have spoken. The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility,” Bawumia said. “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.”
Dr. Bawumia reassured the public that his party, the NPP, was committed to a smooth transition of power. “As committed democrats, we pledge to ensure that we have a very smooth transition so that the business of government will continue seamlessly,” he stated. “The NPP will offer the needed support to the new government in a very responsible way.”
The Vice-President also acknowledged the sense of disappointment felt by many of his supporters. “To the rank and file of the New Patriotic Party, I know the feeling hurts, given that this is not the result you worked for,” he said. “But I assure you that we will regroup and come back even stronger. We may have lost the battle, but not the war.”
Gratitude was another central theme in Bawumia’s speech. He thanked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, his wife Samira Bawumia, and his running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for their unwavering support throughout his campaign.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to President Nana Akufo-Addo, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, my wife Samira, and Dr. Prempeh for their immense contributions,” Bawumia said. “I also thank the entire NPP, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the Electoral Commission, security agencies, the media, and all Ghanaians for their roles in this electoral process.”
Dr. Bawumia concluded his speech with a message of national unity. “Ghana is more important than our individual political ambitions, and we must always put Ghana first,” he said. “Ghana has won. Thank you very much, and may God bless you and God bless our homeland, Ghana.”
The 2024 election saw significant tension as both Bawumia and Mahama campaigned fiercely for the presidency. As the final results are still pending, Dr. Bawumia’s concession speech marks an important step toward a peaceful transition of power.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana is expected to announce the final, official results in the coming days, but the concession marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democracy.
Bawumia’s call for peace and his recognition of Mahama’s victory are expected to help prevent any unrest as the country prepares for the swearing-in of President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
This peaceful concession highlights the maturity of Ghana’s democratic process, with both parties showing respect for the will of the people. The next few weeks will be crucial as both the NPP and Mahama’s supporters prepare for the official handover of power.
Ghanaians across the globe are now looking forward to the peaceful transition, confident that their country will continue to uphold its democratic values.
