Voting in Ghana’s highly anticipated December 7 general elections has officially ended as polling stations nationwide closed at 5:00 pm.
Over 18 million registered voters were expected to participate, casting their ballots at 40,975 polling stations to elect a new president and 276 Members of Parliament for the next four years.
The presidential contest features a high-profile battle between two leading candidates from Northern Ghana: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Dr. Bawumia’s campaign focused on digitalization and economic transformation, while Mr. Mahama emphasized governance experience and inclusive development.
In addition to the frontrunners, several other candidates are vying for the presidency. Notable among them are Alan Kyerematen (Independent, Movement for Change), Christian Kwabena Andrews (Ghana Union Movement), Kofi Akpaloo (Liberal Party of Ghana), Hassan Ayariga (All People’s Congress), and Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong Kumankuma (Convention People’s Party – CPP).
Other contenders include Mohammed Frimpong (National Democratic Party – NDP), Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr (Great Consolidated Popular Party – GCPP), and independent candidates Kofi Koranteng, George Twum-Barimah-Adu, and Nana Kwame Bediako.
This year’s election is marked by an unusual circumstance: the Ghana Freedom Party’s (GFP) presidential candidate, Akua Donkor, passed away in October 2024. Despite her demise, her image and party logo remain on the ballot paper, creating a unique situation for voters.
The 2024 elections are considered crucial for Ghana’s future, as the country faces significant political and economic challenges. The results will determine the leadership direction for the nation in the years ahead.
