Stories and facts
Ghana held its general elections on December 7, 2024, electing a new president and all 276 members of Parliament. The elections marked the end of President Nana Akufo-Addo's tenure, as he was constitutionally barred from seeking re-election.
In the presidential race, National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate and former President John Dramani Mahama achieved a decisive victory, securing over 56% of the vote in the first round. This remarkable win eliminated the need for a runoff.
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat on Sunday, December 8, and congratulated John Mahama on his return to power.
A Landslide Parliamentary Victory for the NDC
In the parliamentary elections, the NDC delivered a resounding performance, capturing 183 out of the 276 seats in Parliament. The NPP, by contrast, won only 73 seats, granting the NDC a commanding majority and a strong mandate to govern.
Electoral System
Ghana’s president is elected through a two-round system, while members of Parliament are chosen in single-member constituencies using a first-past-the-post method. Eligible voters must be Ghanaian citizens aged 18 or older, with parliamentary candidates required to be at least 21 years old and residents or long-term occupants of their constituencies.
NPP Primary Highlights
The NPP opened nominations in May 2023, with final primaries held on November 4, 2023. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the party's flagbearer after winning by a wide margin. Despite the strong showing of Kennedy Agyapong, who placed second, Bawumia's candidacy underscored the party's confidence in continuity.
NDC’s Candidate Selection
The NDC’s primaries on May 13, 2023, saw John Mahama secure his nomination with an overwhelming 99% of the vote. His cloest rival, Kojo Bonsu, conceded and threw his support behind Mahama.
Other Presidential Contenders
Several other candidates vied for the presidency, including former NPP stalwart Alan Kyerematen, who launched the Movement for Change after leaving the NPP, and business magnate Nana Kwame Bediako, representing the New Force movement. However, neither candidate posed a significant challenge to the frontrunners.
The Ghana Freedom Party, led by Akua Donkor, faced a tragic setback when Donkor passed away shortly before the election. Attempts to replace her candidacy were marred by irregularities, leading to the party’s disqualification.
Official Results
The Electoral Commission certified the results on December 9, 2024. Mahama secured 6,328,397 votes (56.55%), while Bawumia garnered 4,657,304 votes (41.61%). Independent and smaller party candidates collectively accounted for less than 2% of the total vote.
Observations and Implications
The elections were observed by international organizations, including the Commonwealth and ECOWAS, who commended Ghana for conducting a largely peaceful and transparent process.
John Mahama's return to the presidency and the NDC's parliamentary dominance signify a shift in Ghana’s political landscape. As he prepares to lead the country, Mahama faces the task of uniting a polarized nation and addressing pressing economic and social challenges.
This historic election reaffirms Ghana's reputation as a stable democracy and a beacon of democratic governance in Africa.
Explore a collection to learn more about the 2024 Presidential Candidates below.
