By Abiola Olawale
In a significant turn of events, Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama, has made a remarkable political comeback by emerging victorious in the presidential election.
His win comes after his main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, officially conceded defeat on Sunday.
Bamumia, who addressed a press conference on Sunday, said he decided to concede defeat even though official results have not been announced.
Bawumia said he had called Mahama to congratulate him, adding that Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) also won the parliamentary election.
He said: “Let me say that the data from our internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the Presidential election decisively.
“The NDC has also won the parliamentary election. Even though we await the final collation of several seats, I believe ultimately these will not change the outcome.”
Bawumia said he conceded defeat before the official results to ease tensions.
He added: “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.
“It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana. The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”