Polls Open for Ghana’s General Election

Ghanaians head to the polls as the general election begins, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s democracy. Citizens are eager to choose their next leaders amid hopes for progress and stability.

On Saturday, polls opened for the presidential and legislative elections in Ghana, set to serve as a crucial test for democracy in a region troubled by extremist violence and coups.

Approximately 18.7 million individuals are registered to vote in the West African nation currently experiencing one of its most severe economic crises in decades. However, the two leading candidates provide limited prospects for change within the country.

Ghana was once a shining example of democracy in the region. While coups posed threats to democratic governance across West Africa, Ghana stood out as a symbol of stability with its record of peaceful elections. Additionally, it had established itself as an economic leader, taking pride in its robust development progress.

In recent years, however, it has faced a severe economic crisis characterized by skyrocketing inflation and high unemployment.

Earlier this year, an opinion poll conducted by Afrobarometer revealed that 82% of Ghanaians believe their country is moving in the wrong direction.

Despite 12 candidates running to become Ghana’s next president, Saturday’s election has essentially turned into a two-horse race, similar to previous elections since the return of multiparty politics in 1992.

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is the candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has faced challenges in addressing the economic crisis. He competes against former President John Dramani Mahama, who leads the primary opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Mahama was voted out of office in 2016 after not fulfilling his economic promises.

The NDC identifies as a social democratic party, whereas the ruling NPP positions itself on the right. However, analysts and voters have noted that their presidential candidates’ programs are not significantly different.

On Saturday, two hundred seventy-six members of parliament will be elected. Currently, the ruling NPP party and the main opposition NDC each hold 137 seats in the existing 275-member legislature. There is also one independent member who typically votes with the ruling party. An additional constituency will participate in this election, increasing the total number of deputies to 276.

At their closing campaign rallies on Thursday, both candidates made a final effort to present their political parties as the solution to Ghana’s economic challenges.

Bawumia, a 61-year-old economist who studied at Oxford and previously served as deputy governor of the nation’s central bank, pledged to expand upon the initiatives of the outgoing administration and stabilize the economy.

Mahama, aged 65, reiterated his commitment to “reset” the nation on multiple levels. The former president emphasized, “Our democracy, governance structures, economy and finances need a reset. We must also rejuvenate our agriculture sector, infrastructure development efforts as well as environmental policies and health systems—essentially everything we cherish collectively.”

Throughout the capital city of Accra, an upbeat mood for the election is evident in posters and billboards. Bikers perform stunts, political rallies fill the streets, and public speakers blast election jingles and songs.

However, for many people, the primary concern is clear: the country’s struggling economy, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.

Last year, the country defaulted on a significant portion of its foreign debt amid an escalating economic crisis that drove up prices for fuel, food, and other necessities. By the end of the year, inflation had surged to 54%, and although it has been decreasing since then, many Ghanaians have yet to notice any improvement when they shop at the market.

The ongoing problem of illegal gold mining, locally referred to as galamsey, has been a significant issue in the campaign and a major concern for voters. It has sparked protests and criticism directed at the outgoing government.

Ghana stands as Africa’s leading gold producer and ranks sixth globally, yet the illegal mining of this precious commodity has surged due to rising unemployment in a faltering economy. This unlawful activity has led to significant environmental damage, polluting rivers and other natural areas, despite government efforts to combat it.