Ghana opposition leader Mahama officially wins election

Accra: Ghana s opposition leader John Mahama on Monday officially won the country s election, easily defeating the ruling party candidate after voters...

Accra: Ghana's opposition leader John Mahama on Monday officially won the country's election, easily defeating the ruling party candidate after voters punished the government's economic management and the high costs of living.

Mahama won 56 percent of the votes in Saturday's presidential ballot, compared to the ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia who secured 41 percent, the electoral commission said, announcing official results.

The comeback for former president Mahama ends eight years in power for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose last term was marked by Ghana's worst economic turmoil in years, an IMF bailout and a debt default.

"I have the singular honour... to declare his excellency John Dramani Mahama as the winner," Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa said, announcing the results.

Vice President Bawumia, a former central banker, had already quickly conceded defeat on Sunday, acknowledging Ghanaians wanted change after the government failed to shake off widespread frustration.