As Ghanaians head to the polls on Saturday, public frustration over soaring prices, unemployment, and an ongoing economic crisis has dominated the run-up to the general election. The vote is widely seen as a critical test of Ghana’s democratic stability amidst growing disillusionment with the political process.
Support for outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has waned during his second term, marked by Ghana’s worst economic turmoil in a generation. Protests over the rising cost of living and challenges in the cocoa and gold sectors have intensified calls for change, boosting the prospects of opposition leader John Dramani Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC).
An October survey by Afrobarometer revealed that 82% of Ghanaians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with less than half expecting significant improvement within the next year. Voter sentiment reflects a mix of hope for change and skepticism about the political system’s ability to deliver.
“The country is ruined. I will vote, but I don’t think it will change anything,” said 18-year-old Emmanuel Kwaku Jr., a first-time voter.
Ghana’s democratic resilience—manifested in peaceful power transfers and adherence to two-term presidential limits—has made it an exception in a region fraught with coups and constitutional crises. Yet, experts warn that this stability may be at risk if elected leaders fail to address citizens’ concerns.
“We see a lot of anger among the youth, a sense of hopelessness but also a sense of change. If that doesn’t happen at the elections, what will happen?” a Western diplomat cautioned.
The presidential race features 12 candidates, with Mahama and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP as the frontrunners. Both have pledged to tackle the economic instability that has plagued Ghana since 2020, including inflation surging above 50%, a $3 billion IMF bailout, and a comprehensive debt restructuring.
Polls open at 7:00 a.m. GMT for 18.7 million registered voters, with legislative results expected by Monday and presidential results by Tuesday. However, voting trends may reveal the likely winner before the official announcement.
