On December 7, 2024, a total of 11,191,422 registered voters went to the polls to elect Ghana’s new President. John Dramani Mahama, the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the total. This historic election marked several milestones, including Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The President-elect, now 66 years old, has had a distinguished political career. He was first elected to Parliament in 1996 to represent the Bole-Bamboi Constituency and was re-elected in 2000 and 2004. In 2009, he became Vice President under Professor John Evans Atta Mills and assumed the presidency in 2012 following Mills’ death. Mahama won the 2012 presidential election but lost in 2016. His 2024 victory marks a remarkable comeback.
Over the next four years, Mahama will have the opportunity to deliver on the promises outlined in the NDC’s manifesto. Election manifestos are vital tools for engaging citizens, as they shape voter decisions and hold leaders accountable. We will closely monitor the implementation of the President-elect’s commitments once he is sworn into office.
Highlights of the Manifesto
In his manifesto which he titled Resetting Ghana, he set out the following promises:
Conclusion
John Dramani Mahama’s return to power and the historic election of Ghana’s first female Vice President marks a new chapter in the country’s governance. The NDC’s manifesto, Resetting Ghana, outlines ambitious goals centred on economic recovery, job creation, industrial transformation, infrastructure development, social inclusion, and good governance. Implementing these promises will be critical in addressing Ghana’s socio-economic challenges and setting the nation on a path to sustained growth and prosperity. As Ghanaians prepare to hold their leaders accountable, this period offers a unique opportunity to redefine national priorities and create a governance framework that emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and ethical leadership. The world will be watching how Mahama and his administration translate their vision into tangible progress over the next four years.
