By John Ikani
Ghana has concluded its presidential and legislative elections, seen as a crucial moment for its democracy in a region marked by coups and unrest.
Voting began early Saturday at 7 a.m. local time (07:00 GMT) and wrapped up by 5 p.m. (17:00 GMT). Preliminary results are expected by Sunday, with the final outcome of the presidential race anticipated by Tuesday.
The contest centres on Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Mahama, who are locked in a tight race amid concerns about tackling a deepening economic crisis.
Unlike previous elections, where southern regions played a pivotal role, attention is now on the north, as both frontrunners hail from historically marginalised northern Ghana. This shift is expected to significantly shape the outcome.
A total of 12 candidates are vying to replace President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down after two terms, as required by the constitution. Voters also elected a new parliament, with over 18.8 million people registered to cast their ballots in a country of 34 million.
To prevent potential disruptions, Ghana’s government shut all land borders from Friday night to Sunday, citing the need to safeguard electoral integrity, according to the interior ministry.
Although voting proceeded peacefully in most areas, isolated incidents were reported. In Nyankpala, in the northern region, one person was fatally shot, and four arrests were made, police confirmed.
In Accra, voters like 68-year-old trader Comfort Saaquah Aidoo turned out early. “I arrived at 4:30 to ensure I could vote. The current government has failed us, and I want change,” she said. Similar frustrations were echoed by 54-year-old teacher Joyce Adjadji, who noted, “The rising cost of living has made things unbearable.”
Despite these sentiments, turnout appeared subdued. Reporting from the capital, Al Jazeera journalist Ahmed Idris observed quiet polling stations, with voter apathy likely playing a role.
Breaking the Two-Term Cycle
Since Ghana’s return to multiparty democracy in 1992, power has alternated between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Neither party has achieved a third consecutive presidential victory, a milestone the ruling NPP hopes to reach with Bawumia.
An economist with a background in digital reforms, Bawumia has pledged to advance programmes that promote free education, healthcare, and business innovation. At a closing rally in Accra, he vowed to “transform the nation” if elected.
The ruling party’s economic record under President Akufo-Addo, however, has drawn criticism, with Ghana grappling with high inflation, debt restructuring, and a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, is promising to reset the economy by extending industrial hours, creating jobs, and renegotiating aspects of the IMF programme. Illegal gold mining, which has damaged water sources and farmland, is also high on his agenda for reform.
A Region at Risk
While Ghana remains a symbol of democracy in West Africa, it faces increasing security challenges, particularly in its northern areas. Spillover violence from conflicts in Niger and Burkina Faso, both under military rule, poses a growing threat.
Despite its democratic reputation, Ghana has not been immune to political tension. In 2021, a clash during the parliamentary inauguration required military intervention to restore order.
As Ghanaians await the final results, the election underscores the country’s ability to navigate economic pressures and regional instability while safeguarding its democratic principles.
