15 Interesting Facts To Know About Ghana’s President-elect, John Mahama

John Dramani Mahama has been declared the winner of Ghana’s recent presidential election, marking his return to the highest office in the country. His victory has drawn attention from across the world due to the high-profile nature of the contest. Vice President Muhammadu Bawumia, Mahama’s main rival, has already conceded defeat.

In a call to Mahama, Bawumia said, “I am making this concession speech before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country.”

Bawumia acknowledged that “the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”

With his return as Ghana’s President-elect, here are 15 interesting facts about John Mahama’s life, education, political career, and impact on Ghana.

1. Early Life of John Mahama

John Mahama was born on November 29, 1958, into a politically active family. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, served as a regional commissioner during the presidency of Ghana’s first leader, Kwame Nkrumah. This early exposure to politics played a key role in shaping Mahama’s future career.

2. His Education Journey

Mahama’s educational journey started at Achimota School in Accra and continued at Ghana Secondary School in Tamale. He later pursued higher education at the University of Ghana, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in History in 1981. He also completed a postgraduate course in Communication in 1986.

In 1988, Mahama furthered his education at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow, where he earned a certificate in Social Psychology.

3. Teaching and Early Career

After completing his studies, Mahama taught high-school history before taking up roles in diplomacy and development. He served as the Information, Culture, and Research Officer at Ghana’s embassy in Japan. Later, he joined Plan International, a global development organization, as a manager of International Relations, Sponsorship, and Grants.

4. Entry into Politics

John Mahama’s political career officially began in 1996 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bole-Bamboi under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party. He was re-elected in 2000 and 2004, cementing his position as a key figure in Ghanaian politics.

5. Role as Minister of Communications

From 1998 to 2001, Mahama served as Ghana’s Minister of Communications. During this time, he played a significant role in modernizing the country’s telecommunications sector, which laid the groundwork for Ghana’s digital transformation.

6. Rise to Vice President

In 2008, Mahama became the running mate to John Evans Atta Mills, the NDC presidential candidate. After their victory, he was sworn in as Vice President of Ghana on January 7, 2009.

7. Sudden Rise to the Presidency

When President Atta Mills passed away unexpectedly in July 2012, Mahama was sworn in as Ghana’s President. This sudden rise to power was a defining moment in his political career.

READ ALSO: Ghana Decides: Mahama Makes Historic Comeback As Bawumia Concedes Defeat

8. First Term as President

Mahama contested the 2012 presidential election as the NDC’s flagbearer and was declared the winner with 50.7% of the vote. However, his closest rival, Nana Akufo-Addo, challenged the results in court. The Supreme Court upheld Mahama’s victory in 2013, ensuring he served his first full term as president.

9. Ghana’s Economic Struggles Under Mahama

During his presidency, Ghana faced economic challenges, including currency depreciation, power outages, and rising public debt. These economic hardships led to the popular term “Dumsor,” a local phrase that means “off-on,” referring to the frequent power cuts. Mahama faced criticism for his handling of the crisis.

10. Electoral Defeat and Concession in 2016

Mahama contested for a second term in 2016 but was defeated by Nana Akufo-Addo. Despite the loss, Mahama gracefully conceded defeat, saying, “I have done my part, and it is now time for another to continue the journey.” His peaceful transition of power earned him global recognition as a leader committed to democracy.

11. Return to the Ballot in 2020

Mahama contested the 2020 presidential election, again facing Nana Akufo-Addo. After a closely fought race, Akufo-Addo was declared the winner. Mahama challenged the results in court, alleging electoral irregularities, but the Supreme Court dismissed his petition in March 2021.

12. The Comeback of John Mahama

Despite previous setbacks, Mahama remained a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics. In 2024, he was once again selected as the NDC’s presidential candidate. His supporters described him as “resilient” for his refusal to give up on his political ambitions.

13. Victory in 2024 Presidential Election

John Mahama’s persistence paid off when he won the 2024 presidential election, defeating 12 other candidates. He secured his comeback as Ghana’s President-elect, earning the trust of voters who believed in his promise to improve the economy.

14. Bawumia’s Concession Call

Vice President Muhammadu Bawumia conceded defeat before the official announcement, saying, “I believe this is the right thing to do for the peace of Ghana.” His phone call to Mahama was seen as a sign of political maturity, as it prevented possible unrest in the country.

15. Mahama’s Vision for Ghana’s Future

John Mahama’s return as Ghana’s President-elect has raised expectations for his new term. His supporters believe he has learned from past mistakes and will prioritize economic reforms and youth employment. In his victory speech, he said, “We will not let Ghanaians down this time. We will rebuild the economy and restore hope.”

What’s Next for John Mahama?

John Mahama’s return to power is seen as a chance for redemption. Analysts believe he will prioritize stabilizing the economy and addressing power supply issues, which were major challenges during his previous tenure. He is also expected to focus on employment opportunities for Ghana’s youth, a promise that resonated with voters during his campaign.

Mahama’s experience as a former president, vice president, and parliamentarian positions him as one of Ghana’s most seasoned politicians. His leadership in the coming years will be closely watched by both Ghanaians and the international community.

With his comeback, all eyes are on John Mahama as he prepares to lead Ghana once again. His victory is a testament to resilience and the belief that political comebacks are possible with patience and determination.