
In every election, there are three possible outcomes: you win, your opponent wins, or there’s a runoff. Eventually, a runoff still leads to one of the two final outcomes: victory or defeat.
As a student leader, I experienced both winning and losing elections. Winning felt exciting and fulfilling, while losing brought sadness and, at times, denial. However, as a firm believer in democracy and the right of people to choose who leads, I have always accepted both outcomes with humility. Knowing my intentions were to serve to the best of my ability, I respected the people’s decision, even when it went against me.
On December 7th, Ghanaians went to the polls to elect the next MPs and President, deciding the path and future of this country in the process. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a decisive victory in the presidential race and a comfortable majority in parliament. Understandably, supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) feel disappointed and bitter, while NDC supporters are jubilant, celebrating their sweet victory since close of polls.
Having personally experienced both sides of elections, I am comforted that both political parties have tested the realities of sweet victories and bitter losses and so must be guided in their celebrations or sorrow. For indeed, tables keep turning and life goes on.
This is not meant to console those saddened by their party’s loss, nor to ask those celebrating victory to tone down or stop— Victories should indeed be celebrated—they often come after sacrifices, pain, and hard work.
Yet, we must also remember that sweet victories just like bitter losses are short-lived. They switch seats, and that is the beauty of life and our democracy.
I take this moment to congratulate H. E John Dramani Mahama on his reelection as the president of Ghana and commend H. E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on his show of leadership by conceding defeat ahead of official declaration when every indication showed his party has suffered a defeat in the election.
To this end, let’s be guided that we are one people with a common goal. That is to make Ghana great and strong through peace and prosperity.