Ghana Opposition Claims Victory in Presidential Election Amid Economic Struggles

Ghana’s opposition NDC claims victory for candidate John Mahama in the presidential election against NPP’s Mahamudu Bawumia, citing preliminary results. Economic hardships influenced voter sentiment amid ongoing tallying by electoral authorities. Bawumia faces criticism over the incumbent government’s performance as Mahama aims for a political comeback.

Accra (AFP) – On Sunday, Ghana’s opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), asserted that preliminary results indicated their candidate, John Mahama, was victorious in the recent presidential election. However, electoral authorities clarified that they are still in the process of compiling official results. The election featured a contest between Mahama and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Mahamudu Bawumia, who attempted to distance himself from dissatisfaction regarding current government policies and rising living expenses.

The election was heavily influenced by Ghana’s economic challenges, which included a debt crisis, currency devaluation, and soaring inflation, culminating in a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Bawumia sought to succeed President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is concluding his maximum tenure of two four-year terms. Voters also cast ballots for a new parliament alongside the presidential election.

NDC spokesperson Sammy Gyamfi reported that their internal analysis indicated Mahama received 56.3 percent of the vote, compared to 41.3 percent for Bawumia. Gyamfi stated, “It is very clear the people of this country have voted for change.” A local broadcaster confirmed Mahama’s lead based on the counting of results from 42 out of 276 constituencies. Nonetheless, as Deputy Commissioner Bossman Asare emphasized, the tallying process remains ongoing, with regional results still pending at the national center.

Despite the overall calmness during voting, incidents of violence marred the process, resulting in two fatalities due to shootings. Historically known for its political stability, Ghana has seen the NPP and NDC alternate power since the onset of multi-party politics in 1992. Bawumia, equipped with the slogan “Break the 8” indicating a third term for the NPP, found it challenging to overcome critical sentiments regarding Akufo-Addo’s economic management. Although inflation rates declined from above 50 percent to approximately 23 percent, mounting economic discontent became a significant factor in the electoral outcome, paving the way for Mahama’s comeback, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017 but faced setbacks in his subsequent electoral campaigns.

Ghana is a West African nation that has maintained a reputation for democratic stability since transitioning to multi-party politics in the 1990s. The NPP and NDC, the country’s two primary political parties, have alternated in governance, reflecting a competitive democracy. The recent election was notable against the backdrop of economic challenges, including high inflation, public dissatisfaction with government performance, and a significant IMF bailout aimed at stabilizing the country’s economy. Voter sentiments on these issues played a pivotal role in determining electoral outcomes and party strategies during the campaign.

The Ghanaian election featured key contenders vying for leadership amid economic turmoil, with the NDC proclaiming a victory for John Mahama based on their internal results. While electoral authorities continue to compile official tallies, the violence reported and socio-economic dissatisfaction highlights significant factors impacting voter decisions. The election results will define the direction of governance as the nation seeks to address its pressing economic challenges.

Original Source: www.france24.com