Ghanaians head to the polls today, December 7, 2024, for a pivotal and closely contested election.
This marks the ninth general election under the Fourth Republic, with more than 18 million registered voters set to decide the nation’s next president and the composition of the 275-member Parliament.
The presidential race pits Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) against former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Both candidates have run intensive campaigns, with polls indicating a close contest.
Presidential Candidates
In total, 12 candidates are vying for the presidency, including:
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia – New Patriotic Party (NPP)
John Dramani Mahama – National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Dr. Hassan Ayariga – All People’s Congress (APC)
Kofi Akpaloo – Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)
Henry Augustus Lartey – Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP)
Christian Kwabena Andrews – Ghana Union Movement
Mohammed Frimpong – National Democratic Party
Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankuma – Convention People’s Party
Kofi Koranteng – Independent
George Twum-Barima-Adu – Independent
Nana Kwame Bediako – Independent
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen – Independent
Mahama vs. Bawumia: The Front-runners
The contest is seen as a rematch between Ghana’s two largest political parties, with Bawumia and Mahama presenting starkly different visions for the country.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has built his campaign on the NPP’s achievements, emphasizing digital transformation, infrastructure development, and economic reforms. He has served as Vice President since 2017 and is celebrated for driving policies that have modernized government services and improved financial inclusion.
John Dramani Mahama, a former president from 2012 to 2017, seeks a return to power, promising to rebuild Ghana’s economy, create jobs, and reduce inequalities. Mahama has campaigned on a platform to address infrastructure deficits and tackle corruption.
Economic Challenges Define the Race
The election comes against the backdrop of significant economic challenges. High inflation, unemployment, and public debt have dominated public discourse, with voters seeking solutions to rising costs of living and economic uncertainty.
Mahama has criticized the government for what he describes as poor economic management, while Bawumia has defended the administration’s policies, pointing to global factors and their efforts to stabilize the economy.
Security and Voting Measures
The Electoral Commission (EC) has assured Ghanaians of a free and fair election, implementing measures such as electronic transmission of results. Security has been heightened across the country, with land borders temporarily closed to prevent disruptions.
Polling stations open at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 5:00 p.m., with results expected within 48 hours.
The Road Ahead
As Ghanaians cast their votes, the world watches to see if the nation can maintain its reputation for peaceful and credible elections. Whether the outcome results in continuity under the NPP or a return to Mahama’s leadership, this election is poised to shape Ghana’s political and economic trajectory for years to come.
Profiles of the Front-runners
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia: Vice President since 2017, Bawumia is an economist known for championing digitalization and financial reforms. He holds degrees from Buckingham University, Oxford, and Simon Fraser University and has had an illustrious career in academia, banking, and governance.
John Dramani Mahama: Former president from 2012 to 2017, Mahama is a seasoned politician with a history degree from the University of Ghana and postgraduate studies in communication and social psychology. He previously served as a parliamentarian, minister, and vice president before ascending to the presidency.
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