Ghana Prepares for Presidential Elections: Key Details and Issues
Ghana is set to elect a new president this December, and the two main candidates are Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Mahama. Current President Nana Akufo-Addo is finishing his second term, which is the maximum allowed under the constitution.
When and What Are Ghanaians Voting For?
According to the BBC, the general election is scheduled for Saturday, December 7. About 18.8 million registered voters will participate in two elections happening simultaneously:
- Presidential Election: Twelve candidates are running, but only two are expected to have a real chance of winning.
- Parliamentary Election: Voters in 275 constituencies will elect Members of Parliament (MPs).
The Main Presidential Contenders
BBC reports that Ghana’s politics have been dominated by two major parties since 1992: the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The two leading candidates are:
- Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP): Ghana’s vice-president for eight years, known for his economic expertise. If elected, he could become Ghana’s first Muslim president. However, critics blame him for the country’s recent economic crisis.
- John Mahama (NDC): A former president seeking a comeback. During his earlier term, power cuts earned him the nickname “Mr. Dumsor.” He now promises to reset the struggling economy with experienced leadership.
Other notable candidates include businessman Nana Kwame Bediako (popular with younger voters) and former NPP minister Alan Kyerematen, who broke away to run independently.
Key Issues in the Election
The BBC highlights several major concerns driving this election:
- Economic Hardship: Rising living costs and inflation have pushed many Ghanaians into poverty. The government sought help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year to manage a financial crisis. The NDC criticizes the NPP for economic mismanagement, while the ruling party claims the economy is on the brink of transformation.
- Unemployment: Many young people are struggling to find jobs, prompting some to leave the country for better opportunities.
- Illegal Gold Mining (Galamsey): The practice has caused significant environmental damage, including pollution of rivers. The NDC calls for stricter regulations, while the NPP suggests balancing small-scale mining with environmental protections.
How Voting Works
On election day, voters bring their ID cards to polling stations, where their fingerprints are checked electronically. They receive two ballot papers—one for the presidency and one for parliament. To prevent double voting, their little finger is marked with ink after they cast their ballot.
To win the presidency in the first round, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the votes. If no one achieves this, a runoff between the top two candidates will take place.
Past Elections and Results
BBC explains that Ghana’s elections have been tight but peaceful since 1992. For instance, in 2008, the presidential race was decided by less than half a percentage point in the second round. Election observers often praise Ghana for its orderly voting process and peaceful transfer of power.
When Will Results Be Announced?
Based on previous elections, BBC expects Ghana’s electoral commission to declare the results by December 10. This timeline reflects the country’s reputation for efficiently conducting elections.
With economic challenges and environmental concerns at the forefront, Ghanaians are preparing for an election that could shape the nation’s future significantly.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd545m0qjqo