Vote Counting in Ghana as a New President Awaits
Ghana has started counting votes after Saturday’s election, which was mostly peaceful except for a tragic shooting in the north. Temporary polling booths, like those at schools in Kumasi, are being taken down, as Ghanaians eagerly await the announcement of results on Tuesday.
The election saw almost 19 million registered voters choose their president and parliament members. This marks a turning point as current president Nana Akufo-Addo steps down after serving two terms, the maximum allowed. The BBC reports that voters turned out in large numbers, with some queuing before sunrise to cast their ballots.
However, tensions flared in Nyankpala, where a candidate from the opposition NDC party was blocked by ruling NPP supporters while trying to file a complaint. Police arrested four people, and soldiers arrived in armored vehicles to restore calm.
According to the BBC, the election is a mix of familiar faces and new contenders. Former President John Mahama, representing the NDC, is attempting a comeback, while Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP could become Ghana’s first Muslim president. Other notable candidates include businessman Nana Kwame Bediako, popular among young voters, and Alan Kyerematen, who left the NPP last year.
Interestingly, only one woman, Nana Akosua Sarpong Frimpomaa of the CPP, is in the race, highlighting a gender gap despite Ghana’s new laws encouraging women in politics. Another female candidate, Akua Donkor, passed away in October, but her name remains on the ballot due to technicalities.
The BBC highlights that for a candidate to win outright, they must secure more than 50% of the votes. If no one achieves this, a run-off will occur by the end of December.
Ghana faces tough economic challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and poverty. BBC reports that inflation hit 54.1% in 2022, pushing many into hardship. Unemployment, especially among the youth, is a key election issue.
Speaking to the BBC, 18-year-old Serwaa Yeboah Joshebeth, voting for the first time, said creating jobs should be the government’s priority. Similarly, 95-year-old Kojo Yeboah emphasized the importance of education and opportunities for young people.
As campaigns ended, Bawumia claimed his government performed better than Mahama’s, while Mahama promised a Ghana of opportunity, justice, and prosperity. Ghanaians now wait for the results, hoping for a brighter future.
This election is significant, as no party in Ghana has ever won more than two consecutive terms, according to the BBC.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgmmr1p7nxo