Mahama declared winner of Ghana election

Ghana’s presidential election has been won by incumbent President John Mahama, the electoral commission has announced. The commission said that Mahama had won 50.7% against opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo on 47.74%, according to the (BBC). However, the opposition NPP says it will contest the result, accused the governing NDC party of conspiring with commission staff to fix Friday’s poll. President Mahama urged “all leaders of all political parties to respect the voice of the people”. Police in the capital Accra fired tear gas to disperse opposition protesters from outside the commission’s offices. Tanks guarded the electoral commission and roads around the offices were barricaded by police as the results were announced. “Ladies and gentlemen, based on the results given, I declare John Dramani Mahama president-elect,” electoral commission chief Kwadwo Afari-Gyan told journalists. He said turnout had been about 80%. Ghana, one of the world’s fastest growing economies, is regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.