Ghana: Bawumia, Mahama set the stage for Ghana's high-stakes presidential election

Ghana’s 2024 presidential election is poised to be a closely contested and pivotal poll as Mahamudu Bawumia, the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, and John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have officially filed their nomination papers. With the election scheduled for December 7, both leaders are eager to present their visions for the country’s future.

Bawumia, currently serving as vice president, aims to break the long-standing eight-year political cycle in Ghana, where no party has governed beyond two terms. Speaking to his supporters, Bawumia called for a peaceful election focused on ideas, promising to lead a campaign based on innovative solutions for the nation’s development.

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Meanwhile, Mahama, seeking to reclaim the presidency after two consecutive electoral defeats, is rallying for electoral transparency. The NDC has raised concerns about the electoral roll’s integrity, prompting Mahama to organize a protest to demand a forensic audit. His campaign highlights the desire for change, with party leaders emphasizing the importance of a neutral Electoral Commission.

The upcoming election has attracted significant attention, with 33 candidates vying for the presidency. However, experts suggest the NPP and NDC remain the dominant forces in Ghana’s political landscape. Despite the growing number of contenders, analysts predict the smaller parties may struggle to make a substantial impact, reinforcing the prominence of the two major parties.