Ghana’s former President John Mahama wins election
Al JazeeraNOV 22 2024
Ghana: John Mahama Wins Presidential Election
Above: John Mahama following an interview in Accra, Ghana, on Nov. 6, 2024. Image copyright: Ernest Ankomah/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Former Pres. John Mahama claimed victory in Ghana's presidential election Sunday after Vice Pres. Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat before the official announcement.
Bawumia said Mahama had won the presidency "decisively." Tallies suggest Mahama's National Democratic Congress has also secured a majority in the 275-seat parliament.
According to the first official results from 12 of the country's 16 regions, Mahama — who previously led Ghana from 2012 until 2017 — led with around 61% versus 38% for Bawumia.
The Spin
Narrative A
Mahama's win isn't a surprise. Economic mismanagement under Pres. Nana Akufo-Addo led to Ghana's worst financial crisis in a generation, with soaring inflation, currency depreciation, and a debt default that led to an International Monetary Fund bailout. Ghana's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, illegal gold mining, and environmental degradation forced frustrated voters to look for an alternative.
Narrative B
Nana's administration implemented transformative policies, including free education and digital initiatives. It maintained political stability in a volatile region, but external factors like COVID and global economic pressures undermined these achievements. Mahama's previous tenure was marred by a severe energy crisis and corruption scandals. It will be no different this time around.
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