Kofi Annan congratulates President Mahama for Election 2012 victory

Mr Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and chairman of the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy and Security, has congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his victory in last Friday's election.

“The Electoral Commission has declared John Mahama the winner of the 2012 presidential elections, and I congratulate him wholeheartedly on his victory. I also want to say how pleased I am that the elections were not marred by violence. I commend the Electoral Commission, political parties and the people of Ghana for their commitment to peaceful political expression," a statement received in Accra on Tuesday said.

It added: “The runner-up, Mr Akufo-Addo, conducted an impressive campaign. I wish to applaud him for his dedication to the democratic process, in which he has played such a vital role over many years."

Mr Annan said at this critical stage, he hoped all Ghanaians would put the interests of the nation first.

"Any disputes arising from the elections should be resolved through the appropriate judicial mechanisms afforded by the constitution,” he said.

President Mahama polled 50.70 per cent of the votes to win the election as declared by the Electoral Commission. Nana Akufo-Addo polled 47.74 per cent, but his New Patriotic Party (NPP) is challenging the results, saying he was robbed.

The NPP said after a crunch meeting that it would contest the results at the Supreme Court.

From: Ghana | GNA