Bawumia concedes defeat, congratulates John Mahama

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has conceded defeat and called former President John Mahama to congratulate. The Vice President in an address to the nation on Sunday from his residence said he has congratulated the former president as President-elect of the Republic of Ghana.

Though the Electoral Commission is yet to declare the official results, early results confirm pre-election predictions that posted a victory for the NDC and its candidate. The party has already cruised to a commanding lead in the parliamentary results having masterminded the defeat of several NPP bigwig MPs.

Dr Bawumia acknowledged defeat saying John Mahama has won the elections decisively.

“Following yesterday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, Ghanaians at home and abroad have been sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome. Let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has won the Presidential election decisively.”

He noted that when he signed the peace pact before the elections there were only two things he was sure of; a victory for Ghana and peace.

“I have just called His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as President-elect of the Republic of Ghana. I said during the signing of the peace pact that I was sure of two things: Ghana will win, and peace will reign.”

According to Mahamudu Bawumia, the people of Ghana have made their decision clear and he will humbly respect that. He said he is making the early concession speech to ease tension ahead of the official announcement by the Electoral Commission.

“The people of Ghana have spoken. The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility. 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.”

Also, the Vice president promised to ensure a smooth transition, adding that his party will provide the necessary support to ensure it happens.

“As committed democrats, we pledge to ensure that we have a very smooth transition so that the business of government will continue seamlessly. The NPP will offer the needed support to the new government in a very responsible way.”

Bawumia also acknowledged the efforts of the NPP members and assured them that they will regroup to pursue future goals together.

“To the rank and file of the New Patriotic Party, I know the feeling hurts, given that this is not the result you worked for. But I assure you that we will regroup and come back even stronger. We may have lost the battle, but not the war.”

“Ghana is more important than our individual political ambitions, and we must always put Ghana first. Ghana has won. Thank you very much, and may God bless you and God bless our homeland, Ghana.”