Ghana Roundup: One dead in northern region, presidential election, military personnel spotted at polling stations
Military personnel spotted at polling stations
During the 2024 elections, military personnel were spotted at the Weija ITS polling station in Accra, contradicting earlier assurances from the Ghana Armed Forces that no soldiers would be deployed to polling centres. This unexpected presence has raised concerns among voters and election observers, despite the Ghana Police Service stating that only police would be present for security. While some voters expressed unease, others remain confident in the authorities' ability to maintain election integrity.
Presidential election
Ghanaians voted in a closely contested presidential election on Saturday, featuring frontrunners Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition ex-President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The struggling economy, characterized by a debt default, high inflation, and a $3 billion IMF bailout negotiation, was the dominant electoral issue. Bawumia seeks to lead the NPP to a historic third term, despite being criticized for the current government's economic performance. In contrast, Mahama, who aims to introduce a "24-hour economy," hopes to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with the NPP's handling of the economy.
Kumasi markets deserted
As Ghana votes for a president and Parliament members, Kumasi, the Ashanti Region's capital, has seen a significant decrease in market activity, with many traders absent due to the elections. Areas typically bustling with early morning trade recorded low attendance, as traders either travelled to vote or opted to participate in the elections first. This unusual calm has left customers stranded without access to goods and services. In related news, the Ashanti Region has experienced a 9.11% growth in registered voters, increasing from 3,020,141 in 2020 to 3,295,274 in 2024. Of these, 3,019,178 are expected to vote, including 465,224 first-time voters.
GBA urges tolerance in elections
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called for tolerance and restraint from Ghanaians during the upcoming 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. In a statement by President Mrs. Efua Ghartey, the GBA emphasized the need for peaceful, free, and fair elections, urging citizens to show integrity and respect amidst differing opinions. The elections are scheduled for December 7, 2024, with key candidates including Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP) and former President John Mahama (NDC).
One dead in northern region
A shooting incident in Nyankpala, Northern Region, has resulted in one death and one critical injury during ongoing voting for the 2024 general elections in Ghana. The violence reportedly erupted from a confrontation between NPP Northern Regional Organizer Alhaji Rashid Salifu and NDC Parliamentary Candidate Dr Osman Tahiru Damba over allegations of vote buying. NDC Communications Officer Abubakari Fuseini Oluu confirmed the incident resulted in the death of an NDC supporter. The elections are taking place across 276 constituencies, featuring 13 presidential candidates and 801 parliamentary candidates.
