Ghanaians have begun voting in the much-anticipated 2024 parliamentary and presidential elections, with polling stations nationwide opening their doors to citizens eager to exercise their democratic rights.
Voting commenced at 7:00 am across the country’s 276 constituencies, with some voters arriving as early as 3 am to secure their place in line.
This election marks Ghana’s ninth under the Fourth Republic.
The presidential race features Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) dominating what is expected to be a closely contested battle.
The New Force led by Businessman Nana Kwame Bediako and The Movement for Change led by Alan Kyerematen, a former minister of Trade and Industry—are hoping to challenge the two-party system.
Other contenders include Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr. (Great Consolidated Popular Party), George Twum-Barima-Adu (Independent), Hassan Abdulai Ayariga (All People’s Congress), Kofi Akpaloo (Liberal Party of Ghana), Mohammed Frimpong (National Democratic Party), Nana Akosua Frimpomaa (Convention People’s Party), and Kofi Koranteng (Independent).
To win the presidency, a candidate needs at least 50 per cent plus one of the total valid votes casts.
In addition to selecting a President, voters will elect MPs for all 276 constituencies across the nation.
In the parliamentary race, a simple majority will determine the winner.