Saturday, 07 December 2024 04:51

Ghana holds election amid economic turmoil

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Ghana holds a presidential and parliamentary election on Saturday (today) amid hopes for an economic revival after the worst financial crisis in a generation, which led to a major debt default in the West African nation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo is stepping down next month after serving the two terms allowed by the constitution in Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa producer and a significant gold producer.

Twelve candidates are vying to succeed him, but the race is seen as primarily between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, chosen successor of Akufo-Addo's New Patriotic Party (NPP), and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Opinion polls have tipped Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2016, for a potential comeback.

Polling stations open at 0700 GMT and close at 1700 GMT. Some provisional legislative results were expected by Saturday night and Sunday, while the presidential outcome is expected by Tuesday, although trends often allow an early prediction.

Mahama, 66, has framed Bawumia as representing a continuation of policies that led to Ghana's economic woes, and has promised to renegotiate terms of a $3 billion IMF bailout secured last year to restructure the country's debts. The crisis peaked in 2022 when Ghana turned to the IMF.

"I will fight corruption to restore integrity and fairness, two critical ingredients missing from our governance," Mahama said in closing campaign remarks in Accra's Madina neighbourhood on Thursday.

Bawumia, a 61-year-old former central banker, has highlighted Ghana's gradual recovery from the crisis, with economic growth surging by 6.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024, the fastest rate in five years. He told supporters he will foster policies that will strengthen Ghana's recovery.

He has promised to simplify the tax system, halve the number of government ministers, and cut public spending by 3% of GDP if elected.

"The reason why we are going to win this election is because of the good work that we've done as a government," Bawumia told cheering supporters at the University of Ghana campus during a final rally on Thursday.

Ghana's cedi currency has been strengthening, however high inflation and government debt sustainability remain a concern for investors.

"This election holds significant importance not only for Ghana but also for West Africa, where democracy is under scrutiny," Oxford Economics said in a research note.

Approximately 18.7 million out of Ghana's 34 million population are registered to vote.

 

Reuters

May 23, 2025

FG earns 52 kobo from every N1 made by Dangote Cement – Aliko Dangote

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has stated that the Federal Government earns 52…
May 12, 2025

Northern leaders demand urgent action on insecurity, push for state police

Amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria, the 19 Northern governors and traditional rulers have called for…
May 23, 2025

The strongest leaders avoid these 5 management mistakes

Stefan Grigorov Key Takeaways People, not tools, drive innovation in the age of AI. Consensus…
May 17, 2025

Woman files for divorce after ChatGPT read husband’s affair in coffee cup

A Greek woman decided to divorce her husband of 12 years after ChatGPT told her…
May 23, 2025

Bandits kill two soldiers, others in attacks on Benue community

Suspected bandits have killed four people, including two soldiers, in an attack on Ijaha Ikobi,…
May 23, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 595

Aid trucks enter Gaza after delays, as pressure mounts on Israel Israel allowed 100 aid…
May 11, 2025

African diet – plantains and cassava can be as healthy as tomatoes and olive oil,…

Plantains, cassava and fermented banana drink should be added to global healthy eating guidelines alongside…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.