Ghana, one of Africa’s key gold producers is set to go the polls to elect a president on December 7.
The incumbent, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) will face former president John Dramani Mahama, leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
It is the third time Akufo-Addo and Mahama will compete against each other for the highest office, with each previously having won one poll – Akufo-Addo in 2016 and Mahama in 2012.
12 candidates in all are vying for the highest office in Ghana, including two women, only Akufo-Addo and Mahama seem to have the aces for coming out tops.
The campaigns have focused mostly on Ghana’s economy, infrastructure development, education, corruption, and debt relief.
Akufo-Addo, 76, has been touting economic growth during his current four-year term in office as well as the streamlining of government services and implementation of free schooling for senior high school pupils.
Mahama, 62, however, is hammering on infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, schools and hospitals, and promising to invest more in this area if re-elected.
Political analysts of the University of Ghana, predict a slim win for Akufo-Addo in the December elections.
“Polls have indicated voters prefer Akufo-Addo’s policy-driven approach to running the nation”, said the head of department, Political Science at University of Ghana, Kaakyire Frempong.
A candidate needs at least 50 per cent of votes to be elected in the first round.
Ghana’s roughly 17 million registered voters will also elect 275 legislators from 914 candidates on Dec. 7.
Akufo-Addo’s NPP is expected to once again gain the majority of seats in parliament.
Voting will take place at more than 33,000 polling stations between 7a.m and 5p.m Ghana time.
The electoral commission will announce results within 72 hours after the election.