Ghana: Former President John Dramani Mahama Wins Election

John Dramani Mahama is set to become Ghana’s new president. In the election, which took place at a time when the country is struggling with a serious economic crisis, the opposition candidate and former president from 2012 to 2017 won with 56.55% of the vote, according to still preliminary counts released by the electoral commission on December 9.

The ruling party’s main rival Mahamudu Bawumia has already conceded defeat. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo resigned after reaching the official two-term limit. Voter turnout was 60.9%.

“This mandate is a constant reminder of what fate awaits us if we fail to realize the aspirations of our people and keep governing with arrogance. The victory shows that the people of Ghana do not tolerate bad governance,” Mahama said after the victory. This was reported by Reuters, which also explains that Mahama wants to renegotiate the terms of a $3 billion International Monetary Fund financial aid received last year.

Ghana produces cocoa, gold, and oil and is currently struggling with a severe economic crisis and inflationary processes that have created hardship for the population. Mahama’s proposals during the election campaign included a new tax law and investment in infrastructure modernization.