Ghana is set for a highly anticipated showdown in the 2024 general elections, as Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Dramani Mahama emerge as the leading contenders.
The elections, scheduled for Today, December 7, marks a crucial moment for the nation, with more than 18 million registered voters expected to decide not only the nation’s next president but also the composition of the 275-members Parliament in a politically charged environment.
Presidential Aspirants
A total of 12 candidates are vying for the presidency, including:
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia – New Patriotic Party (NPP)
John Dramani Mahama – National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Dr. Hassan Ayariga – All People’s Congress (APC)
Kofi Akpaloo – Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)
Henry Augustus Lartey – Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP)
Christian Kwabena Andrews – Ghana Union Movement
Mohammed Frimpong – National Democratic Party
Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankuma – Convention People’s Party
Kofi Koranteng – Independent
George Twum-Barima-Adu – Independent
Nana Kwame Bediako – Independent
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen – Independent
Bawumia, who is running on the ticket of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has positioned himself as a key figure in Ghana’s economic development, particularly highlighting his role in the country’s digital transformation and economic reforms. His platform promises to build on the achievements of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, focusing on job creation, infrastructure, and technological innovation. However, he has also faced criticism for the current economic challenges, including inflation and rising debt levels.
On the other side, Mahama, a former president and candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is seeking a comeback after losing the 2016 election to Akufo-Addo. Mahama’s campaign focuses on addressing the economic hardships that many Ghanaians have experienced in recent years. He has promised to restore economic stability, reduce the cost of living, and improve public services. Mahama has also positioned himself as a champion of national unity, aiming to bridge the political divides that have intensified during recent years.
The 2024 election comes at a time of heightened political tension, with both sides accusing each other of corruption and mismanagement. There have been concerns about the state of the economy, with inflation rates soaring and public debt increasing. Many Ghanaians are also looking to the election to address issues such as unemployment, healthcare, and education.
Security is another critical issue, with the government taking steps to ensure a peaceful election process. The Ministry of Interior has temporarily closed the country’s land borders ahead of the election, a move aimed at preventing cross-border disturbances and electoral malpractices. However, the decision has sparked controversy, with critics, including veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt, arguing that it could disenfranchise Ghanaians living in neighbouring countries such as Togo and Côte d’Ivoire.
Barely hours to the polls,the stakes are high for both candidates. Bawumia’s NPP will look to maintain its hold on power, while Mahama’s NDC hopes to make a strong comeback after eight years in opposition.
Source:TheDotNews