Bawumia seeks to become Ghana’s first Muslim president as Mahama eyes comeback

Ghanaians will today head to the polls to elect a new president in a tightly contested race.

Voters are also expected to choose representatives for 276 parliamentary seats during Saturday’s polls.

The presidential election pits Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) against former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo hopes to pass the baton to his vice-president when he steps down on January 7, 2025.

There are 12 presidential candidates in the election but it is expected to be a two-horse race between Bawumia and Mahama.

If Bawumia wins, he will become Ghana’s first Muslim president. The NPP would also, for the first time, have won three consecutive terms in office.

Mahama, on the other hand, hopes to make a Donald Trump-like comeback and has based his campaign on the economic prosperity Ghana enjoyed under his leadership.

The ruling party faces growing public dissatisfaction amid a worsening debt crisis, the effects of illegal mining and declining confidence in the government’s ability to address unemployment and inflation.

Multiple protests broke out in the country this year fuelled by anger over alleged corruption by political figures.

Environmental degradation and health hazards from illegal mining in the continent’s largest gold producer are also atop the list of growing concerns.

Polling stations opened at about 7am (local time) and are expected to close at 5pm.

The election results are expected by Monday, December 10.