The Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr.Mahamadu Bawumia has conceded defeat to John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

According to him, their internal collation reveals that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won decisively.

Addressing the nation on Sunday morning, he said, “Let me say that the data from our own internal collation indicates that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the elections decisively and the NDC has also won Parliament.”

“I have just called His Execellency John Dramani Mahama, President Elect to Congratulate him ,” Dr.Mahamadu Bawumia revealed.

Read the statement below

“Ladies and gentlemen of the media, following yesterday’s presidential and Parliamentary elections, Ghanaians at home and abroad have been sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome of the election.

Let me say that the data from our own internal coalition of the election results indicate that former President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively.

The NDC has also won the parliamentary election even though we await a final coalition for a number of seats. However, I hope I believe ultimately that these will not change the overall outcome. I’ve just called His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as president-elect of the Republic of Ghana.

I said during the signing of the peace pact that I was sure of two things; Ghana will win and peace will reign. The people of Ghana have spoken. The people have voted for change at this time and we respect that decision with all humility.

I thank God almighty for how far he has brought me and I submit to His will. 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. These are our most important assets. Ghana is more important than our individual political ambitions and we must always put Ghana first.

We will take stock of events and pick lessons to guide us going forward. In the interim, I urge you all to look into the future with optimism and hope. We may have lost the battle that’s not the world. Let me also use this occasion to congratulate all MP’s elect with special emphasis on those from the NPP side. I would like to use this opportunity to thank His Excellency Nana Ado Dankwa Akuffo Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and commander-in-chief of the Ghana armed forces for his support and guidance over the years.

I extend sincere thanks to the First lady Mrs Rebecca Akuffo Addo for her support and wise council throughout my tenure’s Vice President and during the 2024 electioneering campaign.

I’d like to thank my wife, Hajia Samira Bawumia, who has gone over and above the Call of Duty in her support for me. My thanks also go to my children, my brothers and sisters and the entire Bawumia family for their support.

I also thank my running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and his wife Alma for their strong support in this campaign. I am eternally grateful to our revered traditional rulers, religious leaders and the generality of Ghanaians for their support.

I thank former President Kuffour, the Council of Elders, executives and rank and file of the New Patriotic Party for their solid support.

To all Ghanaians who voted for me and the NPP to implement our proposed bold solutions. I thank you for the confidence you reposed in us. To all Ghanaians who didn’t vote for me and the NPP in this particular election, I thank you for considering my proposals even though you exercised your right to choose by settling on the eventual winner.

Let me also thank the Electoral Commission for overseeing yet another transparent and fair election in Ghana. I also thank the security services for their role in maintaining the peace. My thanks also go to the media for their excellent reportage. Ghana has won!

Thank you very much and may God bless you and God bless our homeland Ghana. Thank you!”

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

An Election Situation Room (ESR), to monitor election activities has been launched by National Peace Council (NPC) in partnership with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) in Accra yesterday.

The ESR, supported by the European Union, USAID, and governments of Sweden, Austria, and the United Kingdom, is part of a broader project to mitigate electoral violence in 12 West African countries.

The ESR is equipped to monitor, analyze, and respond to potential threats to election peace.

Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman, NPC, called on Ghanaians to ensure peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process.

According to him, since May 2024, NPC and WANEP, in partnership with ECOWAS and other international bodies, have been working through the National and Regional Election Response Groups.

” These groups include representatives from state and non-state institutions, tasked with addressing threats of violence before, during, and after the elections,” he said.

Rev. Adu-Gyamfi, ESR would focus on monitoring high-risk areas across 11 regions identified through earlier threat assessments, adding that, More than 510 observers, including 319 from WANEP and 191 from the NPC, have been deployed to monitor 276 high-risk constituencies.

He said, “Equipped with a checklist and technology, including a Geospatial Information System, these observers will ensure real-time reporting of any incidents”

Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to continue engaging with political parties, civil society, and the public to build trust and transparency.

He encouraged the National Election Security Taskforce to remain professional, impartial, and committed to ensuring public safety during the elections.

The Chairman stressed the role of the media in promoting peace calling on journalists and media houses to adhere to ethical standards and avoid publishing inflammatory content that could incite tensions.

He advised the public to verify information before sharing it on social media to prevent the spread of misinformation and fake news.

“The public is encouraged to visit the ESR and support efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process,” he said.

Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi appealed to political parties and candidates to uphold the principles of the Peace Pact they signed, urging tolerance and mutual respect throughout the process.

Mrs Joana Adzoa Opare, WANEP, urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and called on political actors to respect the electoral code of conduct.

She also urged the media to avoid spreading fake news or inciting tensions, “The media must uphold ethical journalism and avoid spreading information that could fuel tensions”.