ACCRA, Dec. 4 — Ghana’s economic struggles, marked by soaring inflation and high unemployment, have fueled public discontent ahead of Saturday’s general election, raising questions about the nation’s democratic resilience.
Support for President Nana Akufo-Addo and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has waned during his second term, as the country grapples with its worst economic crisis in decades. Opposition leader John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has emerged as the frontrunner, buoyed by calls for change.
An Afrobarometer survey revealed that 82% of Ghanaians believe the nation is on the wrong track, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. “The dividends of democracy are low,” said Abena Tekyiwaa Manuh of the Centre for Democratic Governance, highlighting concerns about the country’s political and economic trajectory.
Mahama and NPP candidate Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia are the main contenders in a field of 12 presidential candidates. Both have pledged to address the economic turmoil that has plagued Ghana since 2020, including inflation exceeding 50% and a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
Polls open at 7:00 a.m. GMT and close at 5:00 p.m. for the 18.7 million registered voters. Legislative results are expected by early Monday, while presidential results may follow by Tuesday, though trends could point to a winner earlier.
Concerns over the electoral process linger, with Mahama questioning the credibility of the voter roll and other aspects of the election. The NPP, in turn, has accused him of laying the groundwork to dispute unfavorable results. Observers warn that mistrust in institutions could heighten tensions during the results period.
