Ghana: John Mahama Wins Presidential Election

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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.

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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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