Vice-President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has officially conceded defeat to his main opponent, John Dramani Mahama, in Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Election.
Dr. Bawumia made the announcement at a press conference on Sunday, December 8, 2024, emphasizing that his decision to concede defeat was motivated by the need to reduce tension and preserve national peace.
Here is a breakdown of five things Bawumia said:
Concedes defeat and congratulates Mahama
Bawumia noted that Ghanaians at home and abroad were eagerly anticipating the outcome of the election, hence his decision to concede defeat.
“Let me say that the data from our internally collated results indicates that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential elections decisively.
“The NDC has also won the Parliamentary election, though we await final collation for a number of seats. However, I believe this will not change the election outcome. 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,” he noted.
Expresses gratitude to Ghanaians
Bawumia thanked Ghanaians for their support during the campaign. “I am eternally grateful to our revered religious leaders, traditional rulers, and the generality of Ghanaians.
“I thank former President Kufuor, the Council of Elders, and the 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 bold solutions, I thank you for the confidence you reposed in us. To all Ghanaians who didn’t vote for me and the NPP, I thank you for considering my proposals,” he noted.
Commends his team and Nana Akufo-Addo
Bawumia expressed his appreciation to his team and to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for all their support during his campaign.
“We put our best foot forward, explaining our programmes and policies; however, it is sometimes the case that the voter may have other ideas. I am very proud of the efforts of our campaign team, and I thank them,” he noted.
Promises to support Mahama
The Vice-President further expressed his support for the former President, noting that a peaceful transition is critical for the country’s stability and progress.
“I want to assure the people of Ghana and the former President, now the President-elect, of my full support in the transition process. As committed democrats, we pledge to ensure a very smooth transition,” he noted.
Fails to rule out contesting future elections
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia notably avoided addressing whether he would contest future elections during his concession speech.
Rather, he reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to regroup and come back stronger. He did not explicitly comment on his political ambitions or the possibility of leading the party again.
“We will not be a disruptive opposition, even though we will subject the government’s policies to strict scrutiny in the interest of our beloved nation. Our MPs will do a good job to ensure that the citizenry gets the best out of the democratic dispensation.
“To the rank and file of the NPP, I know the feeling hurts; this is not the result you worked for. I know you will feel there is darkness ahead; that is natural, especially when in all sincerity you gave the assignment your best. But I assure you we will regroup and come back stronger. We will take stock of events and pick lessons to guide us,” he noted.
Watch Bawumia’s address below:
JKB/EK
