PRIME Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s political friend in Ghana has lost the general election.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has been beaten by challenger John Dramani Mahama, who had previously served as President.
Ghana also elected its first female Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
President Nana Akufo-Addo could not contest the presidential polls since he reached the official limit of two terms in office.
Akufo-Addo visited Trinidad and Tobago five years ago.
The ruling Ghanaian regime entertained Rowley during his three visits to the West African country of 34 million people.
He said his visits would lead to increased trade and investments and expansion of the petrochemical industry.
He brought back high-quality yam from one visit and said the root crop would be grown extensively in T&T.
He also promised to grow Ghanaian cassava and dasheen, and took part in discussions on reviving the cocoa industry.
In his 2020 visit, Rowley and his wife Sharon Rowley were greeted at Ghana’s airport by Bawumia.
Bawumia was voted out amid an economic crisis that included high unemployment and steep food prices.
Many Ghanaians rejoiced at Mahama’s victory and said they hoped it would lead to an improved quality of life.
The 65-year-old incoming president promised citizens “a life of limitless opportunities.”
He had previously served as president from 2012 to 2017.
Bawumia took his defeat in stride, saying: “The people of Ghana have voted for change at this time and we accept it with all humility.”
Outgoing President Akufo-Addo was unable to resolve the critical issues that impacted Ghanaians and that led to hardship for many.
This is expected to be the end of the political career of 80-year-old Akufo-Addo, who served as President since 2017.
During his visit to T&T in 2019, he paid a courtesy call on then-President Paula Mae-Weekes and spoke of his love for steelband and calypso.
The United States acknowledged the political change in Ghana, but the Rowley Administration has not issued a statement.
