Ghanaians are heading to the polls today, December 7, 2024, to decide who will lead the nation after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s two-term tenure.
A total of 18,774,159 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots for one of 13 presidential candidates vying for the top job.
The election pits nine political party candidates and four independent candidates against each other in a fiercely contested race with the frontrunners being Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
SOURCE: Channel One TV
This year’s elections are centered around critical issues plaguing the country, including economic hardships, galamsey (illegal mining), unemployment, corruption, and the future of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
For many voters, the candidate who presents the most convincing plan to tackle these challenges will secure their vote.
Economic hardships dominate voters’ concerns:
Amid high inflation and rising debt levels, economic recovery remains a pressing issue. Over the last few years, Ghanaians have faced a steep cost of living, further aggravated by global shocks and local mismanagement.
Dr. Bawumia, the NPP’s candidate, has touted his experience as an economist and architect of the government’s digital transformation agenda. He has promised tax reforms, job creation through technology, and measures to boost the economy’s industrial base.
Former President Mahama, on the other hand, has focused his campaign on what he calls “resetting the economy.”
He has pledged to renegotiate debt agreements, stabilize the cedi, and address the high cost of living by prioritizing social spending.
Galamsey: an ecological and political challenge:
Illegal mining, or galamsey, has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s environment, contaminating rivers and destroying farmlands. This issue has become both an environmental and political hot potato, with voters demanding decisive action.
Mahama has vowed to implement stricter regulations, rehabilitate degraded lands, and empower local communities to protect natural resources.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia has promised to continue the NPP government’s policy of using technology, such as drones and satellite imagery, to combat illegal mining. The issue remains a sore point, especially with revelations of high-ranking officials and political figures allegedly involved in the galamsey trade.
Unemployment: a test of leadership
Youth unemployment has emerged as a major campaign topic, with both candidates presenting competing job-creation strategies.
Dr. Bawumia has promised to train one million young people in digital skills and expand the government’s YouStart initiative to support entrepreneurs. His party has also pledged to promote Ghana as a technology and innovation hub to create sustainable jobs.
Mahama’s plan, however, includes a broader industrialization drive. His 24-hour economy proposal seeks to extend operating hours in key sectors, creating three work shifts and increasing employment opportunities.
Corruption: restoring public trust:
Corruption remains a thorny issue, with voters demanding greater transparency and accountability. Mahama has promised to empower anti-corruption institutions and ensure that public officials are held accountable.
The NPP’s Bawumia, while defending the government’s track record, has also pledged reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency, especially through digitalized systems.
The fate of Free SHS:
The Free SHS policy has been a cornerstone of the NPP’s governance, benefitting millions of students but drawing criticisms for its cost and implementation challenges. Bawumia has promised to expand the policy, improve infrastructure, and provide scholarships for students with disabilities.
Mahama, while pledging to maintain Free SHS, has proposed reforms to address funding and sustainability concerns, including decentralizing food procurement to empower local economies.
The numbers behind the ballot:
This year’s election sees a significant turnout of biometric-registered voters, numbering 18,640,811, with an additional 131,478 special voters.
Notably, 55% of the electorate are youths, while 52% are female. Despite this, only 4% of voters are participating in the elections for the first time.
The electoral landscape spans 276 constituencies with a total of 40,648 polling stations, including 328 special polling stations for early voting.
Comparatively, voter turnout in Ghana has shown resilience, with a turnout rate of 79% in 2020, up from 69.6% in 2016, reflecting a growing political engagement.
SOURCE: CODEO
Looming dumsor: Adequate fuel procured; some already arrived — Presidency
14-day deadline for cabinet nominations will be met — Presidency
I’m 53, grown enough to decide — Abdul-Salam replies religious critics of his NL...
The endless struggles of Ghanaian businesses (Part 2)
Target needy students with ‘no fee stress’ to help cover accommodation costs as ...
Arrange one-month credit for needy students to secure admissions before ‘no fee ...
125,000 first-year university students to benefit from ‘no-fee stress’ policy — ...
Mahama names Seth Terkper economic advisor, Shamima Muslim deputy spokesperson
Mahama appoints Stan Dogbe, Oye Bampoe Addo as Deputy Chiefs of Staff
Mahama appoints Bawah Mogtari as Special Aide; Seth Terkper as Presidential Advi...
