Ghana's High-Stakes Presidential Election: Who Will Claim Victory in 2024?

 

By Joshua Omoniyi

Ghana is on edge as the country waits with bated breath for the results of the presidential election held on December 7, 2024. The election, which was largely peaceful, saw voters casting their ballots to choose a successor to outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The ruling New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is facing off against opposition candidate and former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The economy has been a major issue in the campaign, with many Ghanaians expressing frustration over the high cost of living, scarce jobs, and a depreciated currency.

According to reports, voting was mostly calm, but one person was shot dead and four people arrested at a polling station in Nyankpala in the country's northern region. Election teams immediately began tallying ballots after polls closed at 1700 GMT, with preliminary results expected early Sunday and full presidential results scheduled by Tuesday.

The NPP is hoping to break the tradition of alternating power with the NDC, with Bawumia promising to build on the government's achievements and introduce new policies to boost the economy. However, Mahama has capitalized on the economic woes, promising to "reset" Ghana and introduce a "24-hour economy" to create jobs and stimulate growth.

As the country waits for the results, many Ghanaians are anxious about the future. "Everyone is complaining about prices being high," said Abdullah Mohammed, a student who voted in Accra's Nima district. "I want a change, I want a good president who will bring in changes."

The election has also highlighted the country's struggles with illegal gold mining, which has poisoned riverways and impacted cacao farmlands, a major source of export income. Akufo-Addo had promised to stop illegal mining, but it has continued to expand.

As the results are being counted, Ghana's electoral commission has urged citizens to remain calm and patient. The commission has also assured the public that the election process has been transparent and fair.

With the preliminary results expected early Sunday, Ghana is holding its breath, waiting to see who will emerge as the country's next president. Will it be Bawumia, who promises to build on the government's achievements, or Mahama, who vows to "reset" Ghana and introduce a new economic order? Only time will tell.