Dr. Bawumia Acknowledges Defeat to John Mahama in Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Election

In a moment of grace and political maturity, Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has officially conceded defeat to former President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 Ghanaian presidential race. His concession comes shortly after Ghana’s general elections, which saw citizens eagerly awaiting the final results. Speaking from his residence on December 8, 2024, Dr. Bawumia addressed the media and the nation, acknowledging the electoral outcome.
“I want to confirm that following yesterday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, the data from our internal collation shows that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential race decisively,” Dr. Bawumia said, adding that Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, have been waiting anxiously for the results. His announcement followed days of anticipation as the electoral process unfolded across the country.
Dr. Bawumia, who was flanked by prominent NPP officials including National Chairman Stephen Ayesu Ntim and his wife Samira Bawumia, revealed that he personally called Mr. Mahama to offer his congratulations. “I have just spoken with His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and congratulated him on being the President-elect of the Republic of Ghana,” he explained. During the signing of a peace pact before the election, Dr. Bawumia had expressed confidence in two things: that Ghana would emerge victorious and that peace would reign. With his defeat, he reinforced these sentiments, prioritizing national unity above all else.
Acknowledging the pain and disappointment felt within his party, Dr. Bawumia addressed NPP supporters, encouraging them to remain hopeful and resilient. “To all members of the New Patriotic Party, I know that the result is difficult to accept, especially given the hard work and dedication that went into this campaign. But I assure you, we will regroup, reflect, and come back even stronger. While we may have lost this battle, we have not lost the war,” he assured the party faithful.
Gratitude was also central to Dr. Bawumia’s remarks as he expressed appreciation for the unwavering support he received throughout the election campaign. He thanked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, his wife Samira Bawumia, his running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and all members of the NPP for their contributions. Additionally, he thanked Ghanaian traditional leaders, religious bodies, the Electoral Commission, the security forces, and the media for their roles in ensuring a smooth electoral process.
Dr. Bawumia’s message of unity did not end there. He emphasized that Ghana’s interests should always come before individual political ambitions. “As we move forward, we must remember that Ghana’s wellbeing is more important than our personal or party goals. Our country has won today. I want to thank everyone who participated in the elections, and I urge all Ghanaians to continue to work together for the progress of our beloved nation. May God bless us all, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana,” he concluded.
This gesture of concession marks a significant moment in Ghana’s democracy, showcasing a peaceful transfer of power and the commitment to national unity and stability. As Dr. Bawumia steps down from his presidential aspirations, the stage is set for President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s swearing-in and the continuation of Ghana’s democratic processes.
The official results, which have not yet been declared by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, are expected to formalize the outcome, but Dr. Bawumia’s acknowledgment of Mahama’s victory is seen as a positive step toward ensuring a peaceful transition. Dr. Bawumia’s leadership and ability to put the nation first, even in the face of defeat, reflect a deep commitment to Ghana’s future, and his concession speech has been hailed as a model of political maturity and patriotism.