Ghana Elections: Economic Concerns Drive Voter Choices on Election Day
Ghana prepares for presidential elections as Nana Akufo-Addo exits after two terms. Major candidates include former President John Mahama versus Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia. Voters are concerned about the economy amid high inflation and a debt crisis. The only female candidate deceased leaves her name on the ballot, and results will reveal the future direction of Ghana’s leadership.
Election day has arrived in Ghana, marking a significant moment as the country is set to select a new president following Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision to step down after two terms. With nearly 19 million registered voters, the economy remains a pivotal concern for many, exacerbated by a recent debt crisis and escalating living costs. Former President John Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is making a bid for a comeback against Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who, if elected, would become the nation’s first Muslim leader.
Other candidates include businessman Nana Kwame Bediako and Alan Kyerematen, who recently left the ruling NPP. Although the election sees numerous contenders, it is noteworthy that the only female candidate, Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party, passed away in October, leading to her disqualification. However, her name will remain on the ballot. The elections will also determine parliamentary representatives in 275 constituencies.
Since the re-establishment of multi-party politics in 1992, either the NDC or the NPP has held the presidency, with no party having achieved more than two consecutive terms. Voters will have a 10-hour window to cast their votes, and in order to secure an outright victory in the first round, a candidate must receive over 50% of the votes. Otherwise, a run-off will be held between the two leading candidates by the end of December. John Mahama characterized the election as a choice between transforming the current state of Ghana and realizing a vision of prosperity and justice for all. Mahamudu Bawumia countered by asserting the NPP’s better performance in governance compared to Mahama’s administration.
The election is taking place amidst heightened economic challenges. Recent statistics indicated that inflation in Ghana peaked at 54.1% in 2022, driving many into poverty and diminishing living standards as reported by the World Bank. Additionally, unemployment rates are alarmingly high, particularly amongst the youth, making their sentiments crucial to the electoral outcome. The outcome of these elections will significantly impact Ghana’s future and its ability to navigate ongoing economic difficulties.
Ghana is currently preparing for a transformative election, wherein voters will select a new president as well as parliamentary representatives amidst economic challenges. The departure of Nana Akufo-Addo after two terms opens the seat for new leadership. Former President John Mahama is posited to make a comeback against current Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, with various economic factors, including high inflation and a debt crisis, heavily influencing voters’ priorities as they head to the polls. Women’s representation in leadership, despite reforms, remains a challenge, underscored by the disqualification of the only female candidate after her passing.
The election in Ghana is poised to be a crucial turning point, dictated largely by voter sentiments regarding economic management. With a historic shift in leadership and the pressing impact of inflation and unemployment, the electorate is faced with significant choices. As Ghanaian citizens cast their ballots, the results will either facilitate a return to previous leadership under Mahama or usher in new governance under Bawumia, while an ongoing focus on women’s representation remains essential for future elections.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
