Ghanaians head to the polls to elect a new president

Election day has arrived in Ghana, with voters focusing on the nation’s struggling economy, debt crisis, and high cost of living.

These issues dominate the minds of citizens as they prepare to elect a new president and members of parliament.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, having served the maximum two terms, will step down. Former President John Mahama, representing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is attempting a comeback.

His main opponent is Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who could become Ghana’s first Muslim president if elected.

Since Friday night, voters have been forming long lines at over 40,000 polling centers across the country, eager to cast their votes.

More than 18 million registered voters are expected to participate.

Vice President Bawumia has pledged to cut taxes and continue his digitalization initiatives, while Mahama promises to introduce a “25-hour economy” to create jobs.

However, many voters are disillusioned by the hardships of the past eight years, marked by struggles to afford essentials like food and shelter.

Jean Mensa, head of the Electoral Commission, has assured citizens of free and fair elections.

Over 210,000 election staff have been deployed nationwide, with polling materials distributed to all regions.

The commission expects to announce results within 72 hours after polls close.

The election has drawn scrutiny, with opposition parties questioning the Electoral Commission’s impartiality.

Security has also been a key focus, as police and other agencies work to ensure a peaceful voting process, avoiding incidents like those in 2020 that led to eight deaths.

Key campaign issues include the economy, job creation, healthcare, education, corruption, and illegal mining. Voting began at 7 a.m. GMT and will conclude at 5 p.m., with the nation awaiting the results of this pivotal election.