Election Day in Ghana: A Nation Prepares for New Leadership Amid Economic Challenges
Ghanaians head to the polls today in a critical election shaped by the nation’s economic struggles, including a severe debt crisis and high living costs. These pressing issues have dominated voter concerns as they prepare to elect a new president.
Current President Nana Akufo-Addo is stepping down after serving the maximum two terms allowed by law, ensuring that Ghana will see a new leader. Among the candidates is former President John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), who is attempting a political comeback. His main opponent is Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who could make history as Ghana’s first Muslim president if elected.
Other contenders include Nana Kwame Bediako, a businessman with significant youth support, and Alan Kyerematen, who left the NPP last year to run as an independent candidate.
A Male-Dominated Race Despite Efforts for Gender Parity
While Ghana has recently introduced measures to increase female participation in politics, a man is guaranteed to win the presidency. The only female candidate, Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party, passed away in October. Her replacement was disqualified, but her name remains on the ballot.
In addition to choosing a president, Ghanaians will vote for members of parliament in 275 constituencies across the country. Nearly 19 million voters are registered for the election, which runs from 07:00 to 17:00 GMT.
A History of Two-Party Dominance
Since Ghana transitioned to multi-party democracy in 1992, only the NDC and NPP have produced winning presidential candidates. No party has won more than two consecutive terms in office.
To secure victory in the first round, a candidate must receive over 50% of the vote. If no one achieves this threshold, the top two candidates will face a run-off by the end of December.
Economic Issues at the Forefront
Inflation, which peaked at 54.1% in 2022, has significantly impacted Ghanaian households. Although inflation has since declined, many people have been pushed into poverty, and living standards have fallen, according to the World Bank. In 2022, Ghana also defaulted on its debt payments and is still negotiating with international creditors to restructure its loans.
Youth unemployment remains high, and young voters are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the election’s outcome.
Final Campaign Messages
As campaigns ended on Friday, Bawumia emphasized his government’s comparative success over the previous Mahama administration, saying, “Despite the challenges, we have performed better than the government of John Dramani Mahama.”
Meanwhile, Mahama urged voters to envision a brighter future, stating, “This is a choice between the Ghana of today and the Ghana we want – a nation of opportunity, prosperity, and justice for all.”
Election results are expected within three days, with the possibility of a second round if no candidate secures an outright majority.
Source: TheDotNews