Ghanaians went to the polls on Saturday to elect a new president and parliamentary representatives, hoping for an economic revival following the country’s worst financial crisis in decades.
The crisis, which led to a major debt default, culminated in a $3 billion IMF bailout in 2022.
With President Nana Akufo-Addo set to step down next month after completing the constitutionally mandated two terms, the presidential race is seen as a tight contest between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
- Mahama, 66, who served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2016, has been critical of the NPP’s handling of the economy, framing Bawumia as a continuation of policies that exacerbated Ghana’s economic troubles. Mahama has pledged to renegotiate the IMF bailout terms to provide relief for Ghanaians. “This is the only election where we can all see the direction of the outcome before we start voting,” Mahama said after voting in his hometown, Bole.
“We are hopeful and confident that we’ll win,” he added.
- Bawumia, 61, a former central banker and Akufo-Addo’s chosen successor, has campaigned on Ghana’s gradual economic recovery. He highlighted the 6.9% year-on-year economic growth recorded in the second quarter of 2024, the fastest in five years, and promised to implement policies to sustain the recovery. After voting in Walewale, he expressed confidence in victory, saying, “I think the message has been well received.”
The Electoral Commission reported that over 99% of polling stations opened on time with materials delivered promptly. Turnout was described as massive, though specific figures were not immediately available.
While the process was generally peaceful, pockets of violence were reported, resulting in one death. Benjamin Bano-Bio, Director of Electoral Services, confirmed the overall calmness of the voting process and the effectiveness of verification systems.
Provisional results from some polling stations suggested an early lead for Mahama, with jubilant NDC supporters celebrating in Accra’s historic Jamestown. Legislative results are expected by Saturday night or Sunday, while the presidential outcome may be officially announced by Tuesday.
Approximately 18.7 million registered voters out of Ghana’s 34 million population participated in the election, which could mark a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward economic stability and growth.
