Former President John Dramani Mahama has been elected as the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the upcoming 2024 general elections, following a decisive win in the party’s primaries.
Having previously served as a one-term president and unsuccessfully contested the presidency in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, John Mahama clinched a remarkable 98.9% of the total valid votes cast during the NDC’s primaries held on May 13, 2023. He emerged with a resounding victory, securing 297,603 votes. His opponent, Kojo Bonsu, garnered 3,181 votes, amounting to 1.1% of the total.
The Electoral Commission’s returning officer declared the results in the early hours of Sunday, May 14.
During the primaries, John Mahama faced competition from former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and former Kumasi Mayor Kojo Bonsu. However, Dr. Duffuor withdrew from the race, citing unresolved concerns about discrepancies in the party’s electoral roll.
The announcement of John Mahama’s victory was made at the NDC’s headquarters in Accra, marking a significant milestone for the party as it gears up for the upcoming elections.
John Mahama’s campaign team had expressed confidence in securing an overwhelming majority in the primaries. Beatrice Annan, the deputy spokesperson for the team, cited the enthusiastic reception they received during visits to all 275 constituencies ahead of the primaries as a testament to their belief in a commanding victory.
In a show of sportsmanship, Kojo Bonsu extended his congratulations to John Dramani Mahama on his landslide victory. In a Facebook post, the former Kumasi Mayor disclosed that he personally called Mr. Mahama to convey his congratulations.
Profile:
John Dramani Mahama served as Vice President from January 2009 to July 2012 before assuming the presidency following the passing of President John Evans Atta Mills on July 24, 2012. He subsequently won the December 2012 election and served as President for one term.
A communication expert, historian, and writer, Mr. Mahama previously represented the Bole Bamboi constituency as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009. He held various ministerial positions, including Deputy Minister for Communication (1997-1998) and Minister for Communications (1998).
Notably, he is the first Ghanaian head of state to have been born after the country’s independence, adding a unique generational perspective to his leadership.
With John Dramani Mahama now leading the NDC into the 2024 general elections, the political landscape is set for a spirited contest between him and the incumbent President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
SOURCE:Â Coverghana.com.gh
