President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo, has promised Ghanaians he will live up to their expectation as he prepares to take the reigns of government for the next four years.
Nana Akufo-Addo made the promise an acceptance speech shortly after he was declared the winner of polls on December 7 and 8, 2016.
"I make this solemn vow to you: I will not let you down. I will do all in my power to live up to your hopes and expectations. You are to be commended for the mature, peaceful nd orderly manner with which you once again exercised your democratic rights," he said Friday at his residence a crowd of jubilant supporters.
Nana Akufo-Addo, who contested on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was declared Ghana’s 5th President under the Fourth Republican constitution after a fierce 2016 presidential poll.
He polled 5,716,026 to beat incumbent President John Mahama who had 4,713, 277, according to results declared by Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, Friday evening.
In his acceptance speech, Nana Akufo-Addo, who had been unsuccessful at president in 2008 and 2012 attributed his victory to God.
"He has made everything beautiful in His time," he quoted the bible, adding, "there has never been a more humbling moment in my life and I thank you the good people of Ghana for this massive show of support and the confidence you have reposed in me and my party."
The declaration of Nana Akufo-Addo as the winner of the election brings to an end the era of the 'John' presidency which saw John Rawlings, John Kufuor, John Mills and John Mahama all taking their turn as president from 1992 to 2016.
A new dawn has arrived. Nana Akufo-Addo is president-elect after several attempts. His first was in 1998 but could not win the party's primaries because John Kufuor was another stalwart.
In 2008 Nana Akufo-Addo contested the presidential primaries with 16 other members of his party. He prevailed as flagbearer but failed to win the presidency even though he came very close.
He won the first round election but failed to make the 50 percent plus one required for him to be crowned president.
In the second round, his closest contender John Mills won the election. After four years, John Mahama became the leader of the NDC after the demise of president John Mills.
He contested the 2012 elections and beat Nana Akufo-Addo who again had won the party's primaries.
In 2016, the battle lines were drawn. Nana Akufo-Addo at 72 won the party's primaries and was making a last gasp attempt at the presidency.
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