Ghana Prepares for Pivotal Elections with Promises of Economic Reforms and Democratic Continuity.

ACCRA: Ghanaians are poised to head to the polls in ten days to elect a President and 276 Members of Parliament in what is being called a 'defining moment' for the country's democracy. A total of 12 presidential candidates are actively campaigning, emphasizing issues and policies, with relatively few dramatic developments thus far. Ghana maintains a strong history of peaceful elections and successful transfers of power between ruling and opposition parties, with eight elections held since 1992, including three instances where power was transferred from one ruling party to an opposition party. As the nation prepares for this pivotal election, Ghana's flourishing democracy faces another critical test.According to Ghana News Agency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reassured the nation of a peaceful handover of power at the end of his tenure on January 7, 2025. Since Ghana's return to multi-party democracy in 1992, no political party has held power for more than two terms. The New Patriotic Party (NPP ), in power since 2016, aims to break this 'two-term jinx' with its presidential candidate, the current Vice President of Ghana, who faces strong competition from former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The political landscape, dominated by the NPP and NDC for nearly 30 years, now sees two new contenders: The New Force, led by businessman Nana Kwame Bediako, and the Movement for Change, led by Alan Kyerematen, a former Minister for Trade and Industry. These new entrants aim to challenge the entrenched two-party system.A recent Afrobarometer report highlights key factors influencing voter decisions in the upcoming elections. The survey, published in October 2024, found that honesty and character are crucial factors for 90% and 88% of respondents, respectively, in their voting decisions. Campaign promises are relevant to 59% of voters. The survey by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) identified education, employment, healthcare, roads and infrastructure, and the economy as top concerns. Many voters are particularly focused on the Free Senior High School policy and employment opportunities. The economy, according to a poll by Daily Graphic, remains the primary concern for voters.Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawmumia has proposed 'bold solutions' to digitize the economy, including a flat tax system and reforms to the Value Added Tax regime. Former President Mahama promises a '24-Hour Economy' Programme to revive the economy and create jobs. Alan Kyerematen vows to implement a 'Great Transformational Plan' for sustainable growth, while Nana Kwame Bediako has unveiled an 'Economic Freedom' policy focused on industrialization and infrastructure development. The Convention People's Party (CPP) has introduced a 'Women's Manifesto' to enhance economic and social development.The Electoral Commission (EC) reports 18,640,811 registered voters for the elections, with preparations for the December 7, 2024, elections on track. The EC has recruited close to 210,000 tempo rary staff for the elections, and security agencies are prepared to ensure safety during the voting process. Voting will occur across more than 40,000 polling stations, determining the next President of Ghana and the 276 Members of Parliament for the next four years.