Germany Ghana elects new president - borders closed
According to the electoral commission, the presidential election in the West African country of Ghana has so far passed off without incident. The almost 41,000 polling stations in West Africa's second-largest economy were open until late afternoon (local time). Queues formed outside many polling stations even before they opened at seven in the morning.
07.12.2024, 13:12
SDA
The government ordered the borders to be closed for security reasons. According to the Ministry of the Interior, they are due to reopen on Sunday evening.
Voters will decide who will lead their country of almost 35 million inhabitants - once a model of success on Africa's west coast - out of the severe economic crisis that has plunged millions of people into poverty.
The youth vote is seen as decisive in the race between the NPP and NDC parties, which have peacefully alternated in power since 1992. Polls predict both camps will win between 40 and 50 percent each - with varying leads. The ten other candidates have no serious prospects.
In addition, more than 800 candidates are vying for one of the 276 seats in parliament. Of the 18.7 million registered voters, more than 10.3 million are between 18 and 35 years old.
Incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo has to step down after two terms in office. His Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is running for a four-year term of office for the ruling NPP party. Despite the economic crisis, the 61-year-old is relying on his reputation as an economic expert and promises to "upgrade" the economy with a focus on digital.
Challenger John Dramani Mahama (66) from the NDC was already head of state from 2012 to early 2017. Many Ghanaians remember corruption scandals in his government as well as the weakening economy. Nevertheless, the popular Mahama promises a "restart" - a new beginning. Start-up programs are to support young entrepreneurs as well as farmers.
