Ghana held a presidential and parliamentary election on Saturday, with many hoping for an economic recovery after facing a severe financial crisis that led to a major debt default.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has served two terms, is stepping down, and now 12 candidates are competing to take his place.
However, the election is mainly seen as a race between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the chosen candidate of Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Polls have predicted a possible comeback for Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2016. Voting began at 0700 GMT and is set to end at 1700 GMT, with some legislative results expected on Saturday night and Sunday.
The presidential results are anticipated by Tuesday, though trends might allow for an early prediction.
In Accra’s Jamestown area, 68-year-old trader Comfort Saaquah Aidoo was among the first to vote, saying she wanted a new government because the current one failed to deliver on its promises. Joyce Adjadji, a 54-year-old teacher, also voted for change, citing the high cost of living as a major issue.
Mahama has criticized Bawumia for continuing policies that he says led to Ghana’s financial crisis. He has promised to renegotiate the terms of a $3 billion IMF bailout and to fight corruption.
Bawumia, on the other hand, has pointed to signs of recovery, including a 6.9% economic growth rate in the second quarter of 2024, the highest in five years.
He has pledged to simplify taxes, cut the number of government ministers, and reduce public spending if elected.
While Ghana’s cedi currency has strengthened, high inflation and government debt remain concerns. About 18.7 million people are registered to vote in the country’s election, according to Reuters.