GHANA – The first official results have been released from Saturday’s presidential election in Ghana and they look set to confirm the victory of opposition candidate, former President John Mahama. With results in from 12 of the country’s 16 regions, Mahama has a strong lead of 60% against 38% for Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia. The vice-president has already accepted defeat and congratulated Mahama on his victory on Sunday but there had been some frustration that it was taking so long to announce the official results.

President Nana Akufo-Addo is stepping down after reaching the official limit of two terms in office. This election comes amid the worst economic crisis in a generation. Unemployment, the cost of living and concerns over the environmental impact of illegal gold mining, known as “galmasey”, were among the key issues. With many Ghanaians desperate for a change, Mahama won four regions – Bono, Ahafo, Western, and Central – which the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) had won in 2020. However, the results from the Ashanti region, seen as a stronghold of the NPP, have not yet been announced.

Since Bawumia’s concession, Mahama’s supporters have been celebrating across the country. People have been cheering, waving flags, blowing horns and spinning motorbikes. “I’m so excited for this victory,” Salifu Abdul-Fatawu told the BBC in the central city of Kumasi. He said he hoped it would mean that he and his sibling would get jobs, while the price of food and fuel would come down. (BBC)

Photo: Supporters of John Mahama have taken to the streets across the country to celebrate his victory. (AFP)