Ghanaian’s incumbent President, John Mahama, has called Nana Akufo-Addo, his major opponent in the presidential election, to concede defeat.
Mahama, called Akufo-Addo to congratulate him on his victory, before results were announced by the electoral commission.
“A few minutes ago, I received a call from President @JDMahama congratulating me on winning the 2016 Presidential Election,” Akufo-Addo said.
A few minutes ago, I received a call from President @JDMahama congratulating me on winning the 2016 Presidential Election. #ChangeHasCome
Advertisement— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) December 9, 2016
The country’s election commission said Akufo-Addo received 53.8 percent of the vote, Mahama 44.4 percent.
Mahama became president in July 2012 after the sudden death of the incumbent leader and then was elected to the position later that year.
Before Wednesday’s election, the opposition had emphasized Ghana’s high unemployment levels and underperforming GDP growth rates to appeal to frustrated voters.
Mahama defended his record, hinging his campaign on plans to boost economic growth and continue modest gains in infrastructure development. A change in government, he said, would reverse the progress made during the last four years.
Elections in Ghana have been peaceful since the country transitioned from military rule to democracy in 1992.
