Ghana is gearing up for its 2024 general elections, scheduled for December 7, 2024. This election will be pivotal as President Nana Akufo-Addo steps down after completing his second term, in line with constitutional term limits. The contest for the presidency has drawn considerable attention, featuring high-profile candidates from the nation’s two dominant parties, as well as a few independent contenders.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is fielding Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a technocrat with a strong background in economics, having served as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana. If successful, Bawumia would be the first Muslim to lead the nation, a significant milestone in Ghana’s diverse political landscape .
On the other side, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is once again putting forward John Dramani Mahama, a former president who governed from 2012 to 2017. Mahama, who lost close elections to Akufo-Addo in both 2016 and 2020, is determined to regain power and has been campaigning on promises of addressing economic hardship and tackling corruption .
A total of 13 candidates have been cleared by Ghana’s Electoral Commission to contest the presidency. Alongside Bawumia and Mahama, other notable contenders include former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, who is running as an independent candidate after leaving the NPP, and Christian Kwabena Andrews of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) .
The elections will also be a litmus test for Ghana’s democratic resilience. Rising political tensions and concerns over disinformation campaigns have raised fears of potential discord. However, many civil society groups and thought leaders have urged Ghanaians to reject fear-mongering tactics and focus on ensuring a peaceful, transparent electoral process. Ghana has a strong track record of peaceful transitions of power, with a history of accepting electoral outcomes and maintaining democratic principles .
As Ghana approaches these crucial elections, the nation’s commitment to peace, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law will be tested once again. The international community and local organizations are keeping a close eye on developments, hoping that Ghana will continue to set a positive example for democratic governance in Africa .
Ghana’s 2024 general elections, set for December 7, are shaping up to be highly competitive. The presidential race features key candidates from the two dominant political parties—Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Additionally, independent candidates like Alan Kyerematen, a former trade minister, and representatives from smaller parties are also participating .
This election is especially significant as it will mark the end of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s two-term limit, demonstrating Ghana’s adherence to constitutional rules regarding leadership transitions. The election also underscores the country’s political stability, which has become a hallmark of Ghanaian democracy .
However, as the campaign period intensifies, concerns about political tensions and potential disinformation are rising. Civil society organizations and observers have emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and ensuring the electoral process is free, fair, and transparent .
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