John Adoyi
After several weeks of intense campaigns, Ghanaians will cast their ballots on Saturday, December 7 in a crucial election to decide the nation’s next president and 276 members of parliament.
The outcome will shape the country’s political and economic direction for the next four years.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelA total of 12 presidential candidates, including former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), are vying for the highest office. Of these, eight are running on party tickets, while four are independent candidates. The contest is expected to be closely fought, with Mahama facing a formidable challenge from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
With 18,774,159 registered voters set to cast their ballots at 40,976 polling stations nationwide, the stakes are high. Ghana has held eight elections since transitioning to democracy in 1992, with the NPP and NDC each winning four. This ninth election is expected to further define the country’s democratic legacy.
The campaign season has been marked by intense debates, with the economy emerging as the defining issue. President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure has been overshadowed by economic challenges, including soaring inflation, which has seen a high of over 40 Percent since his re-election in 2020, and a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) despite promises from his Government to stop IMF borrowing.
Mahama’s Bid for a Comeback
John Mahama, who lost the presidency to Akufo-Addo in 2016, has presented himself as the leader best suited to restore economic stability. He has pledged to convene a National Economic Dialogue within his first 120 days in office to devise a four-year fiscal consolidation plan. His campaign has resonated with voters frustrated by high living costs and dwindling economic prospects.
Bawumia’s Vision for Change
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, an economist and former banker, is running on a platform of fiscal discipline and government efficiency. He has proposed halving the number of ministers, cutting public spending by 3% of GDP, and simplifying Ghana’s tax system to stimulate growth. Despite these promises, his association with the current administration may pose a challenge as public dissatisfaction with the NPP grows.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Economic Reality Check: Beyond The Tax Reforms
Political analysts suggest that the election could hinge on voter turnout and the ability of the candidates to address key concerns, including unemployment, corruption, and public debt. Mahama has been tipped to win the contest according to national polls.
Final results might not be known till Monday.
