John Mahama defeats Mahmudu Bumia

The official results of the presidential elections that took place on Saturday in Ghana confirmed the victory of the opposition candidate, former President John Mahama.

With results from all 16 regions of the country, Mahama won 56.5% compared to 41.6% for Vice President Mahamudu Bumia.

The Vice President had already accepted defeat one day after the election and congratulated Mahama on his victory, but there was some frustration that it was taking so long to announce the official results.

President Nana Akufo-Addo is stepping down after reaching the official maximum of two terms in office.

These elections come amid the worst economic crisis in a generation.

Unemployment, costs of living and concerns about the environmental impact of illegal gold mining, known as “galmassie”, were among the main issues.

With many Ghanaians yearning for change, Mahama won several regions – including Bono, Ahafo, Western and Central – which the ruling New Patriotic Party won in 2020.

However, results in the Ashanti region, seen as an NPP stronghold, have yet to be announced.

Since Bumia's victory on Sunday, Mahama's supporters have been celebrating across the country.

People were cheering, waving flags, honking horns and revving motorcycles.

“I am very excited about this victory,” Salifu Abdul Fatawu told the BBC in the central city of Kumasi.

He said he hoped this would mean he and his brother could get jobs, while food and fuel prices would fall.

The vice president said he accepted defeat before the official announcement of the results “to avoid further tension and maintain peace in our country.”

Although the elections were generally peaceful, two people were shot dead on Saturday in two separate incidents.

The Electoral Commission office in the northern town of Damongo was also destroyed, allegedly by NDC supporters angry at the delay in announcing the results.

Mahama (65 years old) previously led Ghana from 2012 until 2017, when he was replaced by Akufo-Addo. Mahama also lost the 2020 election, so this win represents an amazing comeback.

Mahama's National Democratic Congress and the National Progressive Party have alternated in power since the return of multi-party politics to Ghana in 1992.

No party has ever won more than two consecutive terms in power – a trend that looks set to continue.

Mahama's previous period in office was marred by a faltering economy, frequent power outages and corruption scandals.

However, Ghanaians hope it will be different this time.

During the campaign, Mahama promised to turn Ghana into a “24-hour economy.”

The new president will be sworn in on January 7, 2025.

Additional reporting by Natasha Botti in London