Ghana’s Opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo elected president after three attempts, incumbent John Mahama concedes

President-elect and candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party Nana Akufo-Addo speaks as his wife Rebecca (R), daughter Gyankeomah (C), vice President-elect Mahamadou Bawumia and wie Samira (L) listen after being declared elected by the Electoral Commission in Accra, on December 9, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

ACCRA: Opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo won Ghana's national election, becoming president elect at the third attempt and cementing the country's reputation as a standard bearer of democracy in a region that has been blighted by civil wars and coups.

Akufo-Addo defeated President John Mahama by 53.8 percent to 44.4 percent, electoral commissioner Charlotte Osei said late on Friday, sparking scenes of celebration in the capital Accra.