Ghana has reached election day, and many voters are focused on the economy due to a debt crisis and high living costs. With Nana Akufo-Addo stepping down after two terms, the West African nation is guaranteed a new president.
Former President John Mahama is running for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party in hopes of returning to power. His main opponent is Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia from the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), who could become the country’s first Muslim leader if he wins.
Other candidates include businessman Nana Kwame Bediako, who is popular among younger voters, and Alan Kyerematen, who left the NPP last year to run as an independent.
Around 19 million Ghanaians are registered to vote today. Although there have been efforts to increase the number of women in politics, the only female presidential candidate, Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party, passed away in October. Her name will still appear on the ballot because her chosen successor was disqualified.
Along with the presidential election, voters will also choose members of parliament in 275 constituencies across the country. Since 1992, only candidates from the NDC or the NPP have won the presidency, and no party has held power for more than two consecutive terms.
Polling stations are open from 07:00 GMT to 17:00, giving voters a 10-hour window to cast their ballots. Results will be announced within three days.
To win outright, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes; otherwise, the top two will face each other in a run-off by the end of December.
Ghanaians have faced rising inflation, reaching a peak of 54.1% in 2022, which has pushed many into poverty. Unemployment is also high, especially among young people, whose choices may greatly affect the election outcome.
-BBC
