Voting took place on Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time (07:00-17:00 GMT), with early results anticipated on Sunday and the full outcome of the presidential race expected by Tuesday.
The presidential contest features Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Mahama in a tightly contested race. Both candidates hail from the historically underrepresented northern region of Ghana, a notable departure from past elections where candidates from the southern regions typically held more sway.
Bawumia and Mahama are among 12 candidates competing to succeed President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down after serving two constitutionally permitted terms.
The election has been heavily influenced by concerns over Ghana’s deepening economic crisis. Voters have demanded clear strategies from candidates on addressing inflation, unemployment, and national debt – key issues that could sway the outcome of the election.
In addition to choosing a new president, Ghanaians voted to elect members of the next parliament. Approximately 18.8 million voters were registered to participate in the elections out of a population of 34 million. Historically, voter turnout in Ghana’s elections has hovered around 70 percent.
As the vote counting begins, all eyes are on the electoral commission and the early results expected on Sunday. The final presidential results, likely by Tuesday, will determine the direction of one of West Africa’s most enduring democracies. (ILKHA)