iStock/Thinkstock(ACCRA, Ghana) — Celebrations broke out in Ghana’s capital Accra after Nana Akufo-Addo, from Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party, was declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, BBC News reports.
The election, held Wednesday, was Akufo-Addo’s third run for the presidency. The 72-year-old human rights lawyer had previously served as both justice and foreign minister, and ran a campaign largely focused on economic issues, including a promise to build more factories throughout the country.
“I will make this solemn pledge to you tonight: I will not let you down,” Akufo-Addo told a crowd in front of his home Friday.
“I will do all in my power to live up to your hopes and expectations,” he added.
Ghana’s Electoral Commission said Akufo-Addo had received 53.85 percent of the vote, compared to current President John Mahama’s 44.40 percent.
Mahama called Akufo-Addo to concede the election, a spokesman said.
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