File photo of an individual casting his ballot
On December 7, 2024, - just eight days ago, Ghanaians went to the polls for the ninth time under the Fourth Republic, marking a critical milestone in the nation's democratic journey.
With 18.8 million registered voters, the presidential and parliamentary elections were anticipated to witness a significant turnout.
However, voter participation saw a notable decline as many opted not to cast their votes, contributing to an atmosphere of heightened tension and anticipation.
GhanaWeb takes a closer look at the key developments that shaped this election.
Polls Started at 7:00 AM on December 7
Voting commenced promptly at 7:00 AM at most polling stations. In several constituencies, such as Yagaba Kubori, some voters began queuing as early as 3:00 AM to ensure they could cast their votes.
The early morning effort demonstrated the commitment of many Ghanaians to participate in the democratic process.
Vandalisation of Polling Materials, Clashes, and Arrests
The election witnessed reports of vandalisation of voting materials in several constituencies, including the Ansarudeen Islamic School, where ballot booths and electoral materials were destroyed.
Clashes also erupted between EC officials and party agents in constituencies such as Okaikwei North, Asawase, and Korle Klottey.
Military personnel clashed with voters at Obuasi East and Weija, further contributing to the volatile atmosphere.
Electoral Violence and Collation Challenges
Several shooting incidents led to at least four deaths, with numerous others injured, particularly during the collation of results.
At Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Constituency, three individuals were shot, resulting in one fatality and two others critically injured — reportedly NDC supporters.
Other incidents at Tolon and Gomoa East resulted in further fatalities due to gunshot wounds.
The police have arrested several individuals as investigations into these incidents continue.
Bawumia’s Concession and the Political Shift
In the early hours of December 8, 2024, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s Presidential Candidate, conceded defeat to John Mahama of the NDC.
His concession speech marked a key moment, signaling a peaceful transition and reinforcing the NPP’s commitment to a stable handover.
Bawumia’s gesture was widely praised, particularly in the face of the ongoing electoral uncertainties.
As news of Bawumia’s concession spread, celebrations erupted in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale.
Public sentiment largely favoured John Mahama, who was viewed as the preferred candidate by many voters. Media outlets quickly projected an NDC victory, and the party commanded a significant majority in the parliamentary elections.
Calls for Transparency and the EC’s Response
Following these developments, the NDC intensified calls for the EC to announce the official results, citing delays and concerns over transparency.
Jean Mensa, the Electoral Commission's (EC) Chairperson, held press conferences urging patience and assuring Ghanaians that results would be declared once collated from all regions.
However, the slow pace of announcements continued to fuel public frustration.
Declaration of Final Results
On Monday, December 9, 2024, the EC finally declared the final results after a grueling 72 hours.
John Dramani Mahama emerged victorious, polling 56.55% of the vote, while the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) presidential candidate secured 41.61%.
However, the declaration did not put an end to the violence.
In some constituencies, dissatisfaction with the outcome led to heightened tensions, culminating in chaos.
The Electoral Commission's office in Ayensuano was set ablaze by angry protesters.
Police Intensifies Efforts to Maintain Law and Order
The Ghana Police Service also intensified efforts to maintain law and order following a surge in post-election incidents.
Over 50 suspects were arrested nationwide. The police reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of Ghanaians and maintaining peace.
The Greater Accra Region emerged as the epicenter of these incidents, recording 16 cases.
A week after Ghanaians cast their votes, the political landscape remains dynamic.
While Bawumia’s concession helped stabilise tensions, concerns over electoral transparency and fairness persist, especially following the EC's declaration that parliamentary results for constituencies such as Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central are illegal due to the manner in which they were declared.
JKB/AE
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