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| Mahama (NDC) vs. Bawumia (NPP) in Ghana's presidential race |
Ghanaians will cast their votes today in a high-stakes election to choose the country’s next president and parliament, as the nation battles its worst economic crisis in decades.
Twelve candidates are vying for the presidency, but the contest is largely seen as a two-horse race between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Economic Woes Shape the Election
With inflation reaching a six-month high of 23% in November, high unemployment, and surging living costs, the economy is at the forefront of voter concerns. Economist Godfred Bokpin of the University of Ghana said, “The economy is a priority for the electorates.”Illegal gold mining, known locally as galamsey, is another critical issue. Environmental degradation from the unregulated practice has left rivers polluted and lands ravaged, prompting public outcry and scrutiny of government efforts to curb the menace.
Candidate Promises
Vice President Bawumia, a UK-trained economist, has touted his government’s progress in reducing inflation from a peak of 54% in 2022 to 21% earlier this year. Campaign spokesperson Denis Miracles Aboagye highlighted achievements in infrastructure, health, and job creation, claiming over 2.3 million jobs have been added. However, Bawumia’s handling of the economy has drawn criticism, with opponents accusing him of distancing himself from the country’s economic struggles.Mahama, seeking a comeback after losing the presidency in 2016, has promised to "reset" Ghana’s governance, reduce taxes, and implement a 24-hour economy to boost job creation. He vowed during a campaign rally “for good governance and accountability” if he wins.
A History of Close Contests
Ghana’s elections are historically tightly contested. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure over 50% of votes. A runoff will be held if no candidate achieves an outright majority.Political scientist Kwame Asah-Asante expects a fiercely competitive race but is optimistic about Ghana’s democratic legacy. “I’m optimistic that the people of Ghana will vote massively for democracy… and whoever loses the election would accept defeat and abide by the rules of the game and the country should be calm after election for us to continue the journey towards an endured democracy,” he said.
What’s at Stake
This election offers voters a choice between continuity under the NPP and change promised by the NDC. Analysts believe the outcome will hinge on public perception of the two leading candidates’ ability to address Ghana’s economic crisis.More than half of the country's 34 million citizens are registered to vote, with polling stations open nationwide. Results are expected to be announced the same day, determining whether Bawumia will secure his first term as president or Mahama will stage a political comeback.
As the polls open, all eyes are on Ghana, a beacon of democracy in West Africa, to uphold its tradition of peaceful elections and power transitions.
Article Sources/References: Ghana elections: Frontrunners Mahamudu Bawumia and John Mahama try to win over voters | CNN
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