Accra, 31 aug - (ANA) - Ghana's ruling National Democratic Congress party has chosen President John Mahama as their candidate for presidential elections in December, according to local media reports.

Mr Mahama took over as head of state last month after the death in office of President John Atta Mills. Atta Mills, who suffered from throat cancer, had governed since 2009 and was set to be the NDC flagbearer again.

Ghana has been praised for the swift manner in which it handled the transition after his death. Correspondents say the country is regarded as a relatively mature democracy although it is known for its divisive politics.

Mr Mahama, who served as Atta Mills' deputy, will face Nana Akufo-Addo from the the New Patriotic Party, who lost the run-off poll in December 2008 by a margin of less than 0.5% of votes.

According to Ghana's Joy FM radio station, President Mahama won more than 99% of votes cast at the NDC Congress held in Kumasi. (ANA)

FA/ANA/31 August 2012--------