Ghanaians Head to the Polls Amid Economic Challenges

Ghana is voting in a pivotal general election on Saturday, with the nation’s economic struggles dominating voter concerns.

Rising living costs, high unemployment, and a lingering debt crisis have taken center stage as Ghanaians cast their ballots to elect a new president and members of parliament in 275 constituencies.

President Nana Akufo-Addo steps down after completing the constitutional limit of two terms, leaving a contest filled with familiar faces and new ambitions.

Former President John Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is vying for a comeback against Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), who seeks to make history as Ghana’s first Muslim leader.

Other candidates include businessman Nana Kwame Bediako, who enjoys significant support among young voters, and Alan Kyerematen, a former NPP member who is running as an independent after breaking with the party last year.

Despite recent legislation aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics, this election will once again see a man take the presidency.

Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party, the sole female candidate, passed away in October. Her party’s replacement candidate was disqualified, leaving no women among the presidential contenders.

This underscores the challenges facing female representation in Ghanaian politics, even as efforts are made to bridge the gender gap.

Ghana’s economic woes have defined this election. Inflation reached a peak of 54.1% in 2022, pushing many into poverty and eroding living standards. The country defaulted on its debt repayments the same year, leading to protracted negotiations with international lenders over restructuring plans.

Unemployment, particularly among the youth, remains a pressing issue. With close to 19 million registered voters, young Ghanaians are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.

Mahama has campaigned on promises of “opportunity, prosperity, and justice for all,” while Bawumia defended the NPP government’s record, saying, “We have performed better than the government of John Dramani Mahama.”

Polls opened at 07:00 GMT and will close at 17:00 GMT, giving voters a 10-hour window to cast their ballots. Initial results are expected within three days.

To secure a first-round victory, a candidate must win over 50% of the vote. Otherwise, the top two contenders will face a run-off by the end of December.

Since Ghana transitioned to multi-party democracy in 1992, only candidates from the NDC or NPP have held the presidency. No party has ever won more than two consecutive terms, setting the stage for a potentially significant political shift.

Chioma Kalu

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