The Vice-President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flag Bearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has officially conceded defeat to his main opponent, John Dramani Mahama, in Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Election.
Speaking from his residence on Sunday, December 8, 2024, Dr Bawumia stated: “Following yesterday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, Ghanaians at home and abroad have been sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome. Let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has won the Presidential election decisively.”
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Flanked by NPP bigwigs including the National Chairman, Stephen Ayesu Ntim and his spouse, Samira Bawumia, Dr Bawumia disclosed that he had personally called Mr Mahama to congratulate him on his victory.
“I have 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.”
Dr Bawumia emphasised that his decision to concede was driven by the need to reduce tension and preserve the peace of the nation.
“The people of Ghana have spoken. The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility. 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.”
He reassured the public of his party’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power.
“As committed democrats, we pledge to ensure that we have a very smooth transition so that the business of government will continue seamlessly. The NPP will offer the needed support to the new government in a very responsible way.”
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Acknowledging the disappointment within his party’s ranks, Dr Bawumia urged supporters to remain optimistic.
“To the rank and file of the New Patriotic Party, I know the feeling hurts, given that this is not the result you worked for. But I assure you that we will regroup and come back even stronger. We may have lost the battle, but not the war.”
Dr Bawumia expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, his wife Samira Bawumia, his running mate Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and the entire NPP for their unwavering support throughout his campaign. He also extended thanks to traditional rulers, religious leaders, the Electoral Commission, security agencies, the media, and Ghanaians for their roles in the electoral process.
Concluding his address, he remarked: “Ghana is more important than our individual political ambitions, and we must always put Ghana first. Ghana has won. Thank you very much, and may God bless you and God bless our homeland, Ghana.”
Dr Bawumia’s concession paves the way for a peaceful transition as Ghanaians prepare for the swearing in of President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana is yet to declare the final official results.
Source Graphic online
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