Ghana’s 2024 general elections, scheduled for December 7, mark a critical moment in the country’s democratic history. These elections will determine the President and the 275 Members of Parliament (MPs) for the next four years.
More than 18 million voters are expected to take part in the election across 40,975 polling stations nationwide.
Ahead of the main vote, some 131,478 voters – comprising election officials, media personnel and election officers – will cast their ballots in 328 special voting centres. This arrangement ensures they can perform their duties on election day.
Presidential candidates
Voters face a challenging decision in selecting the country’s next president from a crowded field of 12 candidates. Leading the pack is the incumbent vice president and presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), alongside a former president and leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who is contesting for the fourth time in the country’s ninth election under the fourth republic.
Also in the fray are former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and political newcomer and real estate magnate Nana Kwame Bediako who are both running as independent candidates.
Other
contenders include the only female candidate Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankuma of
the Convention People’s Party (CPP); Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Party
(APP); Christian Kwabena Andrews of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM); Mohammed
Frimpong of the National Democratic Party (NDP); Daniel Augustus Lartey of the
Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP); and independent candidates Kofi
Koranteng, and George Twum Barim-Adu.
Despite her death just a month to the election, Akua Donkor remains on the ballot. The Electoral Commission has stated that all votes cast for her will be considered invalid.
Issues shaping the campaign
The
campaign has focused on addressing Ghana’ pressing economic and social
challenges. Economic recovery is a central
issue
as the nation grapples with high inflation, rising public debt, and a
cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic
instability.
The
government’s recent IMF bailout has sparked intense debates over sustainable
economic reforms, with candidates outlining their plans to stabilize the
economy, create jobs, and reduce inequality.
Corruption and governance remain critical concerns. Recent scandals have heightened public calls for transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of anti-corruption institutions.
Social
issues have also taken center stage, particularly youth unemployment, as a significant
portion of Ghana’s electorate is under 30 years old. Candidates are emphasizing job creation and
opportunities for young people.
Education
policies, especially the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative introduced by
the NPP, continue to spark
debates
over its funding, overcrowding in schools as well as inadequacy and poor
quality of food being served.
Additionally,
the post-pandemic recovery of Ghana’s healthcare system and the development of
medical infrastructure are key voter concerns.
Collectively, these issues are shaping the discourse and influencing the priorities of presidential candidates ahead of the election.
Electoral Process
Ghana’s
president is elected using the two-round voting system.
If no candidate secures an outright majority in the first round, a second round
will be held between the top two candidates.
Parliamentary seats however are decided using the first-past-the-post system.
When will results be declared?
Parliamentary election results will be declared immediately ballots are counted and collated at the constituency level, usually on the same day of voting.
The presidential election results will be announced at all 16 Regional Collation Centres before the final declaration at the Electoral Commission's National Headquarters. According to the EC, the presidential results will be declared within 72 hours after polls close.
Take Voters' Compass