The electoral commission of Ghana today declared incumbent John Dramani Mahama as the president of the African country.
Reports say Mahama won with 70 percent of the votes cast, compared to his strong opponent Akufo-Addo’s with 74 percent.
There were eight candidates in the race.
In Washington DC today, Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland said the United States congratulates President John Dramani Mahama on his December 7 victory in the Ghanaian presidential race.
“International observers reported the elections to be free, fair, and transparent.” – Ms. Nuland
The US commends the Ghanaian people who turned out in overwhelming numbers to participate in Ghana’s sixth successful presidential and parliamentary election since 1992.
According to Ms. Nuland, the Electoral Commission has succeeded in guiding Ghana through its first biometric electoral process.
“The United States and Ghana continue to enjoy a close friendship based on a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law.” – Ms. Nuland
Ms. Nuland pointed out that once again Ghana has shown itself to be a beacon of stability and peace in Africa.
The US government looks forward to deepening its relationship with the Ghanaian people and working closely with President Mahama’s administration.
In July this year, Ghana’s president John Evans Atta Mills has died suddenly at age 68.
Reports say President Mills cancelled meetings and was taken to hospital on Tuesday suffering from an unspecified illness.
President Mills was only months away from completing his first term in office.
Mills who celebrated his 68th birthday on Saturday, had recently received medical treatment in the U.S. and Ghanian media have speculated he was suffering from throat cancer or a sinus condition.
Ghana was the first black African country to gain independence on the 6th March in 1957. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was the first prime minister of Ghana. His first speech stated “Ghana, your beloved country is free forever!”
In July 2009, capping his historic visit to Ghana, President Obama told the Ghanaian people his visit to their country had been “particularly meaningful” and that Ghana sends a message to the world: “Democracy can thrive in Africa.”
The United States is committed to support Ghana’s democracy and development.
Ms. Nuland said the US cares deeply about Africa’s development and the millions of Africans, particularly those in rural areas, who strive daily for a better life for themselves and their children.
