Ghana votes in high-stakes Presidential election with economic recovery in focus

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Accra, Ghana — Ghana heads to the polls today in a closely watched presidential and parliamentary election, with 17 million registered voters expected to decide between two main candidates: incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The stakes are high as the West African nation, known for its democratic stability, navigates economic challenges and opportunities.

Recent surveys suggest a tight race, with Mahama holding a slight lead. A poll conducted by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Studies showed Mahama at 51% against Bawumia’s 47%, with 2% undecided. This marks a reversal from 2020, when Bawumia’s party secured a decisive parliamentary majority.

Mahama has centered his campaign on addressing Ghana’s $3 billion IMF bailout deal, which he argues burdens the nation with austerity measures. He has pledged to renegotiate the terms and tackle corruption, which he claims has worsened under the NPP government.

Bawumia, meanwhile, points to signs of economic recovery. Ghana’s GDP growth reached 6.9% in Q2 2024, the highest in five years. Inflation has also dropped from 31.2% in January to 19.8% in November, reflecting effective fiscal policies. “This election is about sustaining progress and building a resilient Ghana,” Bawumia said during a rally in Kumasi.

Polls opened at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 5:00 p.m. GMT. More than 38,000 polling stations are operating nationwide, and initial results are expected by Sunday evening. The Electoral Commission of Ghana has assured voters of a transparent and efficient process, deploying 90,000 election officers to manage the proceedings.

Security remains a priority, with 50,000 police and military personnel deployed to prevent potential unrest. The African Union and ECOWAS have also sent observers to monitor the elections.

This pivotal election will not only determine Ghana’s leadership for the next four years but also shape its trajectory as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Final results are anticipated by Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.

Key figures:

GDP Growth: 6.9% (Q2 2024, highest in five years)

Inflation: Declined from 31.2% (Jan. 2024) to 19.8% (Nov. 2024)

Registered Voters: 17 million

Polling Stations: 38,000

Security Deployment: 50,000 personnel

Stay tuned for updates as Ghana votes for its future.