Komla Adom / BBCTemporary polling cubicles – like this one at a college in Kumaso – at the moment are being pulled downVotes are being counted after Saturday’s basic election in Ghana, following a balloting procedure that was once in large part non violent excluding for a deadly taking pictures within the north of the rustic.Police mentioned 4 males have been arrested at a polling station within the the city of Nyankpala, the place an opposition MP candidate had tried to record a criticism however was once stopped by way of ruling celebration supporters.Infantrymen have since been despatched to Nyankpala in armoured automobiles to revive calm.Somewhere else election day has been peacefully performed, with some Ghanaians queuing sooner than crack of dawn to verify they solid their ballots.Polling centres formally closed at 17:00 GMT, and election effects are anticipated to be introduced on Tuesday.Ghana’s land borders had been closed till Sunday night, in a transfer that correspondents describe as peculiar.The West African country is assured a brand new president as Nana Akufo-Addo steps down after attaining the reputable restrict of 2 phrases in workplace.However he may well be changed with a well-recognized face, if former President John Mahama succeeds in his comeback strive for the NDC celebration.His primary challenger is anticipated to be Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who would transform the rustic’s first Muslim chief if he wins for the governing NPP celebration.Different applicants come with Nana Kwame Bediako, a businessman well-liked by younger electorate and Alan Kyerematen, who defected from the ruling NPP celebration remaining yr.As regards to 19 million Ghanaians are registered to vote.In spite of Ghana not too long ago bringing in more difficult regulation to force up the numbers of ladies in frontline politics, just one girl is within the working to transform president – Nana Akosua Sarpong Frimpomaa of the Conference Other folks’s Birthday party (CPP).
Komla Adom / BBCFirst-time voter Serwaa Yeboah Joshebeth says task introduction is a most sensible priorityThe simplest different feminine presidential candidate on this election – Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Birthday party – died in October. But her identify will nonetheless be indexed on poll papers for the reason that candidate selected to be successful her was once disqualified.Saturday’s basic election additionally sees electorate in 275 constituencies around the nation opting for their contributors of parliament.For the reason that go back of multi-party politics to Ghana in 1992, simplest applicants from both the Nationwide Democratic Congress (NDC) or the governing New Patriotic Birthday party (NPP) have gained the presidency.No celebration has ever gained greater than two consecutive phrases in energy.
Favour Nunoo / BBCClose to 19 million other folks have been registered to vote on this basic electionIn order to win within the first spherical, a presidential candidate will have to acquire greater than 50% of the vote. Failing that, the highest two contenders will input a run-off vote to happen by way of the tip of December.Balloting for the primary time, 18-year-old Serwaa Yeboah Joshebeth advised the BBC “it is necessary so that you can vote to make a choice the most productive on your nation”.The hot graduate needs to peer extra task alternatives, “no longer for me by myself however for others who want them [too].”Kojo Yeboah, 95, has the same opinion.”The following chief will have to center of attention on training and jobs for the early life,” the retired college employee advised the BBC out of doors a polling sales space within the town of Kumasi.”I take pleasure in stipends from the state at my age already,” he provides.As campaigns got here to a detailed on Friday, Bawumia mentioned of his primary rival: “What is obvious is that however the demanding situations now we have had, now we have carried out higher than the federal government of John Dramani Mahama.”Whilst Mahama advised supporters “this is a selection between the Ghana now we have these days and the Ghana we wish in combination. A Ghana of alternative, prosperity, and justice for all.”Ghanaians had been hit specifically exhausting by way of inflation lately, which reached a top of 54.1% in 2022. Even if it has since come down, many hundreds of other folks had been driven into poverty and dwelling requirements have suffered, says the International Financial institution.That very same yr, Ghana defaulted on its debt repayments and the federal government remains to be in long negotiations with world lenders to take a look at and restructure the loans.Unemployment may be at a top – specifically a few of the younger, whose perspectives can have a large have an effect on at the consequence of the election.Further reporting by way of Favour Nunoo in Accra and Damian Zane in London
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