Ghana held presidential and parliamentary elections amid economic distress and the need for revival post-debt default. Key candidates are Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Mahama. While Mahama seeks to return to power, Bawumia promotes ongoing recovery efforts. Voting was generally peaceful, with major results expected soon.
Ghana recently engaged in a crucial presidential and parliamentary election, driven by the populace’s desire for economic revitalization following a severe financial crisis and a notable debt default. President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has served the constitutional maximum of two terms, will step down next month. A total of twelve candidates are competing for his position, with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerging as the primary contenders.
Amidst these tense elections, former President Mahama, who governed from 2012 to 2016, is anticipated to make a comeback according to opinion polls. He has positioned Bawumia as synonymous with the problematic policies that contributed to Ghana’s economic distress, pledging to renegotiate the terms of a significant $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout obtained last year. Mahama remarked, “This is the only election that we can all see the direction of the outcome before we start voting,” indicating his confidence in his party’s prospects.
Conversely, Vice President Bawumia, a former central banker, has asserted the effectiveness of the government’s responses to the crisis and reported a 6.9% year-on-year economic growth in the second quarter of 2024, marking the country’s fastest growth in five years. Bawumia expressed optimism regarding his electoral success, stating, “By the grace of God, I’m very hopeful of winning this election. I think that we have done a lot of work.”
The election day was marked by reports of excitement and confidence among constituents, with jubilant NDC supporters celebrating early results favoring their party. The electoral commission noted a significant turnout and confirmed that over 99% of polling stations opened on time. Benjamin Bano-Bio, the director of electoral services, stated that the voting process was predominantly peaceful, with minor incidents of violence reported. As votes were counted, significant results are anticipated for both legislative and presidential races, with broader projections likely by Tuesday amid the public’s focus on possible outcomes.
This presidential election in Ghana occurs against the backdrop of the country grappling with its worst financial crisis in decades, necessitating an IMF bailout as part of efforts to restructure its debts. The election is particularly significant as it follows the governance of President Nana Akufo-Addo, who will not seek a third term under the constitution. The contest primarily involves the continuation of economic policies versus a proposed new direction amidst widespread public concern over economic conditions and recovery prospects.
The recently concluded elections in Ghana reflect both a determination for change and a desire to address the nation’s economic challenges. With significant competition between Vice President Bawumia and former President Mahama, the outcomes promise to shape Ghana’s financial trajectory. Following a peaceful voting process marred only by minor violent incidents, the immediate focus is on the electoral results, expected to reveal the public’s choice for the country’s leadership.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
