Ghana heads to the polls today to choose a successor to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who completes his two terms. The election has drawn sharp focus on the nation’s economic challenges, which will play a crucial role in voters’ decisions.
Out of a population of 34.42 million, 18,774,259 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots, selecting a president and members of a 276-seat parliament in Ghana’s ninth democratic election since 1992.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, representing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), seeks to break Ghana’s historical cycle of two-term governance and secure a third consecutive term for his party. His opponent, former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is attempting a political comeback after losing in 2016 and 2020.
Bawumia, an economist educated at Oxford, has built a reputation as a champion of digital transformation, introducing innovations such as digital address systems and mobile money programs. However, his tenure has faced criticism for high living costs, a weak currency, and a heavy debt burden that led Ghana to seek an IMF bailout.
Mahama, 66, offers a contrasting vision, promising a lean and efficient government, economic recovery, and anti-corruption reforms. As a northern Ghanaian like Bawumia, Mahama hopes to leverage his strong regional support base, though this dynamic makes the north a key electoral battleground.
Mahama has proposed a “24-hour economy” to enhance productivity and job creation, alongside a cap of 60 ministers to streamline governance. He also plans to establish a specialized anti-corruption unit to oversee large procurement contracts.
The economic turmoil under Akufo-Addo’s administration, marked by a debt restructuring deal and spiralling inflation, has provided Mahama with ammunition to critique the ruling party’s record. Meanwhile, Bawumia’s campaign focuses on stabilizing the economy, youth empowerment, and job creation through initiatives such as tax amnesty and competitive port charges.
As the election unfolds, analysts predict a close race, with Mahama favoured in some projections. If successful, he would become the first president in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to regain the presidency after losing re-election.
The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, led by Nigeria’s former Vice President Namadi Sambo, has called for a peaceful and credible election. This aligns with Ghana’s tradition of democratic stability, which remains a beacon in the region.
