In another bright promise for Africa’s maturing democracy, Ghana’s Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has conceded defeat in Saturday’s general election.
He has even called his opponent, former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to congratulate him.
“The people of Ghana have spoken. The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect it with all humility,” Bawumia said in a press conference.
On his X account, Mahama confirmed he had received Bawumia’s congratulatory call.
Bawumia said Mahama won the presidency “decisively” and that the opposition NDC party also won the parliamentary election.
Results Still Coming In
Despite Bawumia’s concession, no official results have been declared. Bawumia said he based his statement on the results according to internal tallies from his party, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Electoral Commission (EC) said results had been delayed because supporters of the two main parties were impeding the process. It had asked the police to clear the collation centres.
The elections were conducted amidst Ghana’s worst economic crisis in a generation, which saw the government default on its debt.
Bawumia struggled to distance himself from criticism over the government’s handling of the economy and high costs of living but to no avail. The electorate severely punished the ruling party for its failings.
President Nana Akufo-Addo is stepping down after being in power since 2017 and reaching the official limit of two terms in office.
Mahama, 65, previously led Ghana from 2012 until 2017 before he was defeated by Akufo-Addo and prevented from completing his constitutional second term in office.
Lesson For Nigeria
Smooth elections and peaceful transitions of power from one party to another remain a challenge for Nigeria, which self-promotes itself as the “Giant of Africa.” Her struggles with good governance and conducting simple, free, and credible elections portray her as a giant, even if she is so, with feet of clay.
Examples from smaller countries like Ghana and Liberia show there’s a lot Nigeria can learn from her neighbours.
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