Ghana is witnessing a major political transition in December 2016 as Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo defeats incumbent President John Dramani Mahama in the presidential election.
Millions of Ghanaians cast their ballots on December 7 in a closely contested election involving seven presidential candidates. Akufo-Addo, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), campaigns on economic recovery, job creation and stronger governance, while Mahama seeks a second term for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The election takes place against a backdrop of economic difficulties, including rising public debt, currency depreciation and concerns over corruption. International observers closely follow the vote because Ghana is regarded as one of West Africa’s established democratic systems.
Akufo-Addo secures the presidency after Mahama concedes defeat, marking another peaceful transfer of power between Ghana’s two major political parties. The outcome attracts international attention because it demonstrates Ghana’s continuing tradition of constitutional political transitions.
