Ghana held its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday amidst hopes of an economic turnaround. The West African nation has been struggling with the worst financial crisis in a generation, which led to a major debt default.
Former President Mahama is seen as the front-runner, with Vice President Bawumia representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Polls suggest Mahama’s potential comeback, but Bawumia points to his party’s past policies as contributing factors to Ghana’s economic woes. Mahama promises to renegotiate terms of a $3 billion IMF bailout to restructure debts.
Turnout was massive, with over 99% of polling stations opening on time. However, there were pockets of violence, resulting in the death of one person. The electoral commission reported a calm voting process overall, except for some instances where voters took to the streets to celebrate after results showed their party in a comfortable lead.
Eighteen million of Ghana’s 34 million population are registered to vote, with provisional legislative results expected on Saturday night and Sunday, and the presidential outcome expected by Tuesday.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ghana-holds-election-amid-hopes-better-economic-times-2024-12-07