One year after the National Democratic Congress decisive 7 December 2024 election, President John Dramani Mahama has reflected on the historic moment
One year after the National Democratic Congress decisive 7 December 2024 election, President John Dramani Mahama has reflected on the historic moment that returned him to power, describing it as a resounding mandate from a nation determined to reset its course.
In a message marking the anniversary, President Mahama expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for what he called their “unwavering faith” in restoring hope and rebuilding national institutions after years of political tension, economic strain, and deepening distrust in governance systems.
The 2024 general election was one of the most closely watched in recent history.
Over 18 million citizens registered to vote across more than 40,000 polling stations. Amid concerns about the credibility of the electoral process and rising political polarization, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) mounted a vigorous campaign grounded in what Mahama termed the Resetting Ghana Agenda — a commitment to restore economic stability, expand opportunities, and rebuild public trust.
The Election Commission, led by Jean Mensa, declared John Mahama the winner on 9 December 2024.
He secured 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55%, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate and then–Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 4,657,304 votes (41.61%).
Although results from nine constituencies were outstanding at the time of the announcement, the Commission noted the outstanding votes could not alter the final outcome.
In an unexpected but widely praised gesture that helped calm post-election tension, Dr. Bawumia conceded defeat even before the Electoral Commission’s official declaration.
He confirmed calling John Mahama to congratulate him, a move Mahama publicly acknowledged as contributing to a peaceful democratic transition.
The concession also signaled the end of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure, paving the way for Mahama’s return to the presidency on 7 January 2025.
In his anniversary reflection, President Mahama highlighted the behind-the-scenes work within the NDC that he believes secured their victory.
He credited the party’s polling agents — whom he famously called “our own referees” — for thwarting attempts he alleged were aimed at manipulating the electoral process.
According to him, the party’s strategy to closely monitor the polls neutralized any effort to “subvert the will of the people.”
The President also extended appreciation to NDC party executives, the election management structure, communications teams, operations units, and campaign strategists, saying their coordinated efforts anticipated and countered every political maneuver ahead of the polls. “Your vigilance turned the tide,” he declared.
Looking ahead, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to govern inclusively.
He emphasized that the new administration, alongside Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, is committed to building “a Ghana for all — without discrimination or favoritism.” However the president has presided over the mass dismissals of workers employed by the previous administration in the public service.
He assured the public that the Resetting Ghana Agenda is fully in motion, focusing on creating jobs, restoring hope, and rebuilding public institutions that many citizens felt had suffered under previous leadership.
John Mahama’s political journey — from a teacher to MP, minister, vice president, president, and now a returning head of state — continues to be a defining chapter in the democratic evolution. And as he marks one year since the nation “spoke with one powerful voice,” Mahama insists the work of nation-building is far from over.
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