Majority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin has applauded Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice president and New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate for the 2024 elections, for his unprecedented act of conceding defeat even before the official declaration by the Electoral Commission.
Speaking to Parliament upon its reconvening on December 16, 2024, Afenyo-Markin noted the significance of Bawumia’s actions, describing them as a “first in the history of Ghanaian politics.”
At 9:00 am on the Sunday after the December 7 elections, Bawumia acknowledged the outcome of the polls, congratulating his opponent, President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who had won with over 6.3 million votes, representing 56.55% of the total vote.
Afenyo-Markin, visibly impressed, remarked, “Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia did something very unprecedented that we have never witnessed in the history of our politics before.
Relying on his internal collation, he publicly acknowledged the outcome of the elections, conceded, and congratulated the president-elect, even before the official declaration by the Electoral Commission.”
Bawumia’s concession, which came hours before the Electoral Commission officially declared Mahama as the winner, was hailed by many as a bold move that demonstrated political maturity and a commitment to Ghana’s democracy. Afenyo-Markin continued, acknowledging that, in the heat of political rivalry, the act of accepting defeat gracefully can often be a rare sight.
“It takes a great deal of courage to do what Dr. Bawumia did,” Afenyo-Markin added, reflecting on the significance of the moment. “It is a testament to his dedication to the unity and peace of our nation. It is not an easy thing to do, especially when the stakes are high and emotions run deep.”
As the dust settles on the election, where Mahama secured 6,328,397 votes, a victory margin of over 1.67 million votes, the focus now shifts to the transition process and the future of the country under Mahama’s leadership.
Afenyo-Markin also took a moment to commend the people of Ghana for the peaceful manner in which the election was conducted and for upholding the country’s democratic values.
