Votes are being counted after Saturdays general election in Ghana with the voting process largely peaceful except for a fatal shooting incident that occurred in the northern part of the country. This unfortunate incident has not disrupted the overall calm that characterized the rest of the voting process across the nation.
Police officials made statements regarding the arrest of four individuals at a polling station in the town of Nyankpala where a dispute emerged between supporters of an opposition MP candidate and those of the ruling party. The opposition MP candidate had attempted to file a complaint at the polling station but was met with resistance by supporters of the ruling party.
As a measure to restore peace and order in the affected area, soldiers were deployed to Nyankpala in armoured vehicles. Despite these reports, the rest of Ghana experienced a peaceful voting process with several voters queuing before dawn in order to ensure they cast their ballots before the official poll closing time.
Polling centres officially closed at 17:00 GMT and election results are expected to be announced on Tuesday. Ghana’s land borders have been closed until Sunday evening as an added security measure during the election period.
In line with the country’s electoral laws and traditions Ghana is guaranteed a new president as the incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo steps down after reaching the official limit of two terms in office.
However former President John Mahama could make a comeback and replace Nana Akufo-Addo as the president. Mahama’s main challenger is expected to be the current Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia who would become the country’s first Muslim leader if he wins the election.
Other candidates vying for the presidency include Nana Kwame Bediako a businessman who has garnered popularity among young voters as well as Alan Kyerematen who defected from the ruling party last year.
The country has a total of 19 million registered voters with each one having an equal opportunity to participate in the elections.
Although Ghana recently introduced tougher legislation aimed at driving up the numbers of women in frontline politics only one female candidate is vying for the presidency. Nana Akosua Sarpong Frimpomaa of the Convention People’s Party is the only female candidate in the running.
Initially there had been two female candidates in the race to become president but Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party died in October. Unfortunately her name is still listed on ballot papers as her replacement was disqualified from running.
Voters across Ghana also participated in parliamentary elections choosing their representatives for the 275 constituencies across the country.
Traditionally since the return of multi-party politics in Ghana only two parties the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party have had a successful presidential candidate.
Those competing for the presidency must secure more than 50% of the total vote count in order to win in the first round. If this is not achieved by any candidate the top two contenders will participate in a runoff vote scheduled to take place before the end of December.
Several voters who participated in the election for the first time expressed their optimism regarding their participation in the electoral process.
For 18-year-old new voter Serwaa Yeboah Joshebeth voting was essential for the well-being of her country. She was particularly concerned about youth empowerment and her desire to see job opportunities improve for others.
An elderly voter named Kojo Yeboah who cast his ballot in the city of Kumasi cited the importance of the next leader focusing on the pressing issues of education and job creation for the youth.
As the campaigns drew to a close a number of presidential candidates made statements regarding the qualities and characteristics that would make them suitable leaders.
The campaigns were characterized by varying degrees of success and failure as articulated by the competing presidential hopefuls.
The World Bank says the economy has affected many thousands of people by pushing them into poverty. Many residents have had to reduce their standard of living.
High levels of inflation that peaked at 54.1% in 2022 continue to impact Ghana although interest rates have since come down. Ghana defaulted on its debt obligations the same year. Discussions are still ongoing between state officials and international financial lenders regarding the restructuring of debt repayments.
As indicated by high levels of unemployment especially among young people these results are set to have a profound impact on the outcome of the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Generally concerns about unemployment were cited by a number of voters who cast their ballots at various polling stations around the country.
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