The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has praised Ghana’s decision to decentralize its electoral process, noting that the reform was inspired by Nigeria’s success in managing constituency-level election results.
In a phone call yesterday, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, on his victory in Saturday’s general election, following the concession speech by his opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. Also offering congratulations, former Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, commended Mahama’s triumph.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, reflected on the significant changes in Ghana’s electoral system. Traditionally, all parliamentary and presidential results were sent to the Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Accra for final announcement. However, for the 2024 elections, Ghana adopted a decentralized system, enabling local constituency-level officers to announce parliamentary results, with only the presidential results sent to Accra. Yakubu suggested that Ghana’s shift was influenced by Nigeria’s own system, where results for parliamentary elections are announced by returning officers at the constituency level, thereby improving election efficiency.
“Although Ghana is not a federal system, it has learned from Nigeria’s model, where returning officers announce parliamentary results across constituencies,” Yakubu explained. “This system has been implemented for the second time in Ghana, which contributed to a much faster presidential result declaration compared to previous elections.”
President Tinubu, in his conversation with Mahama, expressed confidence that his second term in office would contribute to stability within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which he currently chairs. He commended the people of Ghana for their commitment to democracy, demonstrated through the peaceful conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Tinubu also lauded Ghana for setting an example to the world, showing that democracy is the path to achieving political stability, economic development, and good governance in Africa. He affirmed that Nigeria and the wider region would continue to uphold the people’s right to freely choose their leaders as a matter of pride.
The Nigerian president also commended Bawumia for his statesmanlike concession before the official results were announced, which Tinubu said reinforced Ghana’s democratic principles.
Regarding Mahama’s victory, Tinubu noted that his return to the presidency reflected the trust Ghanaians placed in his leadership and vision for the country. Mahama had previously served as Ghana’s President from 2012 to 2017, Vice President from 2009 to 2012, and a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009, holding various ministerial roles in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Tinubu also praised outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo for his leadership and contributions to both Ghana’s progress and regional peace. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader expressed his readiness to work closely with Mahama’s administration to strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to a prosperous future for West Africa.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in a statement from his Media Office in Abuja, also congratulated Mahama, emphasizing the importance of Bawumia’s graceful concession, which he said exemplified “the very best of African political leadership.” Fayemi further underscored that Ghana had become a model of democracy in Africa, highlighting the nation’s respect for the will of the people and democratic principles.
“As a friend to both men and a committed advocate for democracy across Africa, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect John Dramani Mahama,” Fayemi said. “Bawumia’s decision to prioritize Ghana’s national interest over personal ambition is a powerful demonstration of democratic values and political maturity, setting a commendable example for leaders across the continent.”
