Ghana Counts Ballots After Tight Presidential Race

Ghana begins counting ballots after a fiercely contested presidential election, with both candidates claiming victory in a race that has captured the nation’s attention.

Ghana conducted ballot counting on Saturday following a closely contested election, where Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling party sought to address public discontent over economic issues and fend off competition from opposition candidate and former president John Mahama.

Ghana’s troubled economy took center stage in the election, following a period marked by debt default, soaring inflation, and negotiations for a $3 billion bailout from the IMF. As a major West African producer of gold and cacao, these economic challenges have had significant impacts on the nation.

Voters were selecting a successor to President Nana Akufo-Addo, Bawumia’s superior, as he steps down after completing the maximum two four-year terms. Additionally, they will be electing members for the country’s new parliament.

Voting proceeded mostly calmly; however, one person was fatally shot and four individuals were arrested at a polling station in Nyankpala, located in the country’s northern region, according to police reports and local media sources.

Once the polls closed at 1700 GMT, election teams promptly started counting ballots under the supervision of agents from various political parties before forwarding them to collation centers.

Initial results are anticipated early Sunday, while complete presidential outcomes are planned for release by Tuesday.

“Abdullah Mohammed, a student who voted in Accra’s Nima district, expressed his desire for change by stating, ‘Everyone is complaining about high prices. I want a good president who will bring about needed changes.’”

Since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992, Ghana has enjoyed political stability with its two major parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), taking turns in power equally.

Promoting the slogan “Break the 8”—which signifies exceeding the typical two terms in power—the NPP is optimistic that Bawumia can secure an exceptional third term for them. However, he faced difficulties distancing himself from critiques of Akufo-Addo’s economic performance.

“We’ve put in a significant effort to communicate our message to the people, and it has been well received,” Bawumia stated after casting his vote in his northern hometown of Walewale.

Educated in the UK and with experience as a former central banker, he highlights an economy on the upswing. He emphasizes the government’s ongoing digitalization initiatives to facilitate business operations, alongside its provision of free education and healthcare programs.

Even though inflation decreased from over 50 percent to approximately 23 percent and other macroeconomic indicators are stabilizing, the economic hardship remained a significant issue in the election.

Numerous Ghanaians continue to express difficulties with the high cost of living, limited job opportunities, and a depreciating cedi currency.

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Economic frustration has paved the way for a comeback attempt by Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017 but unsuccessfully ran in two subsequent presidential elections.

The NDC flag-bearer announced plans to “reset” Ghana by introducing a “24-hour economy.” This initiative aims to extend industrial working hours in order to generate jobs and includes renegotiating certain aspects of the IMF agreement.

“Previous elections have been less predictable,” Mahama remarked while casting his vote in his hometown in the north. “In this election, it’s clear to everyone which way it will go due to the poor performance of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.”

Some analysts believed he had an advantage due to voter dissatisfaction with the NPP. However, the former president also faced criticism from those who recalled financial troubles and significant power outages during his tenure.

Esther Adobea, a shoe saleswoman, acknowledged the difficult economic situation but expressed her willingness to give Bawumia an opportunity to improve it.

“I believe he is capable of managing the country on our behalf. Although our economy isn’t in great shape right now, I am confident he can improve it,” she remarked.

Both leading candidates hail from the northern part of the country, an area traditionally dominated by the NDC. However, with its current fragmentation, it has become a crucial battleground in this election.

Although the economy was crucial, Ghana is also increasingly at risk of spillover from jihadist conflicts in Niger and Burkina Faso—countries governed by military juntas—in its northern regions.

Illegal gold mining became a significant election issue as Akufo-Addo pledged to halt the practice. However, it has continued to spread, contaminating rivers and affecting cacao farmlands—an important source of export income.