The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama as President-elect of the country.
Announcing this yesterday, chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensa revealed that the newly elected president polled a total of 6,328,397 million votes representing 56.55 per cent as against the vice president and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia who garnered 4,657,304 representing 41.61 per cent.
Mrs Jean Mensa (left) addressing the press conference to declare the winner of the presidential election. Photo. Ebo Gorman
She mentioned that the 2024 election saw a voter turnout of 60.9 per cent.
Mrs Mensa disclosed that results from nine constituencies were not included in the final tally due to disturbances that disrupted the collation process in those areas.
She explained that the total number of votes from these constituencies amounted to 947,116 and clarified that even if those figures were added to the votes of the NPP, they would not significantly alter the overall outcome of the election.
She described the just-ended elections as credible, transparent, and peaceful while affirming the Commission’s commitment to upholding voters’ choice while adhering to the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and responsiveness.
She mentioned the Commission’s proactive measures to enhance public trust in the electoral system, including re-exhibiting the Provisional Voters’ Register for the first time in Ghana’s history.
This decision, she explained, was crucial in addressing concerns about the register’s credibility and easing tensions ahead of the polls.
Additionally, she explained that the EC opened Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings to live coverage, a move she said fostered inclusivity and transparency.
“These initiatives, coupled with the waiving of fees for verifying voter details online, restored confidence in the voter register and reinforced Ghana’s peace,” she added.
The EC Chairperson also recounted the swift response to the leak of a single-page ballot paper, which led to the reprinting of ballots for the Western and Eastern regions within a week.
This decisive action, she noted, demonstrated the EC’s resolve to safeguard the integrity of the election.
Highlighting operational improvements, Mrs Mensa stated that average voter processing times at polling stations had reduced to five minutes, compared to longer periods in previous elections.
She attributed this efficiency to the use of reliable biometric verification devices, which ensured a seamless voting experience and maintained the “one man, one vote” principle.
She lauded the resilience of the electoral processes, evidenced by the Vice President’s concession ahead of the EC’s official declaration of results, adding that this reflected the robustness of Ghana’s electoral system, which allows citizens and political actors to independently track election outcomes with near precision.
The EC Chairperson emphasised that the Commission’s mandate was not to favour any political party or individual but to ensure credible elections that reflect the will of the people.
She expressed optimism that the success of the 2024 election would strengthen trust in Ghana’s electoral processes and serve as a benchmark for the continent.
Mrs Mensa expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their confidence in the electoral process and commended the EC and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the elections for their dedication.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU AND JULIUS YAO PETETSI
