Ghana election results show John Mahama has strong lead over Mahamudu Bawumia

This election comes amid the worst economic crisis in a generation.

Unemployment, the cost of living and concerns over the environmental impact of illegal gold mining, known as “galmasey”, were among the key issues.

With many Ghanaians desperate for a change, Mahama won four regions – Bono, Ahafo, Western, and Central – which the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) had won in 2020.

However, the results from the Ashanti region, seen as a stronghold of the NPP, have not yet been announced.

Mahama, 65, previously led Ghana from 2012 until 2017, when he was replaced by Akufo-Addo. Mahama also lost the 2020 election so this victory represents a stunning comeback.

Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP have alternated in power since the return of multi-party politics to Ghana in 1992.

No party has ever won more than two consecutive terms in power – a trend that looks set to continue.

Mahama’s previous time in office was marred by an ailing economy, frequent power-cuts and corruption scandals.

However, Ghanaians hope it will be different this time round.

During the campaign, Mahama promised to transform Ghana into a “24-hour economy”.

The new president will be sworn in on 7 January 2025.