In brief
As Ghana's citizens head to the polls for a decisive presidential election, economic issues have taken center stage, with high living costs and a lingering debt crisis on the minds of many voters. This election guarantees a new president, as Nana Akufo-Addo steps aside after two terms in office. Former President John Mahama is making a bid for a comeback with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), facing a key challenge from Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who could become Ghana's first Muslim leader. Other candidates include businessman Nana Kwame Bediako and Alan Kyerematen, an NPP defector. With roughly 19 million Ghanaians registered, this election also sees the selection of parliamentary members across 275 constituencies. Despite recent efforts to increase female representation in politics, only one woman is vying for the presidency. Voters have a 10-hour window to cast their ballots, and results are anticipated within three days, with a runoff possible if no candidate secures an outright majority. Economic conditions remain a focal point, with inflation peaking at over 54% last year, driving many into poverty and exacerbating unemployment, particularly among youth voters.
