Ghana’s general elections are scheduled for Saturday December 7, 2024, and will include both presidential and parliamentary elections.
These elections mark a pivotal moment as President Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) completes his constitutionally limited second term.
The presidential race is expected to be closely contested between John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s candidate and current Vice President.
The Electoral System:
Presidential candidates must secure over 50%+1 of the valid votes to win outright. If no candidate achieves this, a runoff will occur within 21 days.
Parliamentary elections follow a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins.
Voter Statistics:
Over 18.7 million registered voters are eligible to participate.
Special voting for specific groups (e.g., security personnel journalists etc.) came off on December 2, 2024.
Voters will consider pressing national challenges such as youth unemployment, education, economic stability, healthcare, and corruption during the campaigns.
Key Candidates:
NDC: John Mahama, former President (2012–2017), is vying for a return to power.
NPP: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, known for his technocratic background, is campaigning to secure a historic third consecutive term for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Other Contenders: Candidates from smaller parties include Nana Kwame Bediako (New Force Movement), Alan Kyerematen (Movement for Change), and others, although the focus remains on the NDC and NPP.
Travelers Are Free To Visit Ghana During This Festive Season Without Prior Authorization
The Electoral Commission aims to announce the election results within three days of voting to ensure transparency and efficiency.
These elections will further solidify Ghana’s reputation for peaceful democratic transitions.
