President-elect John Dramani Mahama has received warm congratulations from the Head of State of the Knights of Malta, H.E. Prince José Cosmelli, following his decisive victory in Ghana’s presidential elections.

In an official letter dated December 10, the Head of State extended heartfelt congratulations to John Mahama on his “overwhelming victory” in 13 of Ghana’s 16 regions, securing a lead of approximately 1.6 million votes.

The letter expressed confidence in Mahama’s leadership, emphasizing his potential to usher in a new era of “prosperity, stability, and peace” for Ghana.

It also highlighted the Order’s plans to deepen bilateral ties with Ghana through a permanent diplomatic mission in Accra. This initiative aims to foster collaboration in areas such as medicine, education, culture, and humanitarian efforts.

The Head of State conveyed his personal wishes for Mahama’s success, good health, and extended season’s greetings on behalf of the Knights and Dames of the Knights of Malta.

Mahama’s victory marks his return to the presidency after a tightly contested election, positioning him to shape the future of Ghana’s democracy and development.

As international congratulations continue to pour in, the message from Malta underscores the global interest in Ghana’s stability and progress under Mahama’s incoming administration.

John Dramani Mahama was declared the President-elect of last Saturday’s general election.

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) and Returning Officer of the presidential election, Jean Mensa, made the declaration at the commission’s Corporate Head Office in Accra last night. She said Mr. Mahama garnered 6,328,397 (6.32 million) votes, representing 56.55 per cent of the valid votes cast to clinch the incontrovertible win.

His closest contender, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, the candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), polled 4,657,304 (4.65 million), representing 41.61 per cent of the total valid votes cast.

The EC Chairperson explained that she relied on results from 267 constituencies, as results from nine constituencies were outstanding.

The nine outstanding constituencies – Awutu Senya East, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Akwatia, Suhum, Techiman South, Dome Kwabenya, Ablekuma North, Ahafo Ano North, and Damongo – have 947,116 total registered voters, Jean Mensa said.

However, even if the closest contender had won all the remaining ballots from the outstanding constituencies, he could not garner enough votes to tilt the 50 per cent plus one vote required to be duly elected as President in his favour, hence the declaration of the candidate of the NDC as the winner of the presidential poll, Jean Mensa explained.

There were 11,430,531 total votes cast out of the registered voter population of 18,774,159, representing a voter turnout of 60.9 per cent, based on 267 constituency results.

Jean Mensa said the commission had upheld the choice of the Ghanaian people.