Ghanaians are gearing up to head to the polls on Saturday to choose their next president as the country faces one of its most severe economic crises in decades. With current President Nana Akufo-Addo reaching his two-term limit, twelve candidates are in the running for the presidency, but the main contenders are from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Key issues influencing voters include the struggling economy, high unemployment rates, and the ongoing crisis of illegal gold mining, locally known as 'galamsey.' The environmental degradation caused by unlicensed mining has been a longstanding concern, with efforts to curb it proving ineffective.
The economic challenges in Ghana have been exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, leading to high inflation, rising poverty levels, and increased food insecurity. The country's inflation rate hit a 20-year high in December 2022, sparking protests over economic mismanagement.
Current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Mahama are the frontrunners, with Bawumia emphasizing his economic expertise and government's achievements in infrastructure, health, and job creation. Mahama, on the other hand, promises good governance, accountability, and measures to boost employment and reduce taxes if elected.
As the election approaches, analysts anticipate a closely contested race between the two main candidates. However, there is optimism that Ghana's democratic tradition will prevail, with a peaceful transfer of power expected regardless of the election outcome.
More than half of Ghana's 34 million citizens are registered to vote, with hopes for a government that can address the country's challenges and lead it towards a brighter future. The election will also include parliamentary voting, with the winning presidential candidate needing to secure over 50% of the total votes cast or face a run-off election.
Overall, Ghanaians are looking towards the upcoming election as a pivotal moment in determining the country's direction and are eager for a smooth and peaceful transition of power.
