Ghana’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has conceded defeat in Saturday’s presidential election, congratulating former President John Mahama on his apparent victory.

“The people have voted for change,” Bawumia said, acknowledging the outcome based on internal tallies from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). These tallies suggest Mahama won “decisively,” with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) also gaining control of parliament.

Despite the concession, the Electoral Commission (EC) has yet to announce official results. Delays have been attributed to disruptions at collation centers, where supporters of both main parties reportedly impeded the process. The EC has called on police to restore order.

Mahama’s supporters have already taken to the streets across the country, celebrating his anticipated return to power.

The election comes against the backdrop of Ghana’s worst economic crisis in decades, marked by soaring inflation and a default on the country’s debt. President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down after serving the constitutional limit of two terms, leaves behind a nation grappling with significant economic challenges.

Mahama, 65, previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017 before losing to Akufo-Addo. His earlier tenure was plagued by economic difficulties, frequent power outages, and allegations of corruption. However, many Ghanaians are hopeful that his return to office could signal a fresh start for the country.

Since Ghana’s transition to multi-party democracy in 1992, the presidency has alternated between the NPP and the NDC, with no party ever winning more than two consecutive terms. This election appears to uphold that trend.

As Mahama prepares to take office, Ghanaians are looking for decisive action to stabilize the economy and address the challenges facing the nation. Whether he can deliver on those expectations remains to be seen.