Ghana Decides: Polls Close in Pivotal 2024 General Elections

Voting has officially ended in Ghana’s highly anticipated December 7 general elections as polling stations nationwide closed at 5:00 PM. Over 18 million registered voters were expected to cast 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 is a high-stakes showdown between two frontrunners 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 has centered on digitalization and economic transformation, while Mahama has leaned on his governance experience and a vision for inclusive development.

Beyond the main contenders, several other candidates are in the race for the presidency. 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 development: 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, creating a unique situation for voters.

With Ghana grappling with significant political and economic challenges, the results of this crucial election will chart the course for the nation’s future leadership.

Source: Republican online