Election In Ghana Is When All Candidates Offer Solutions Out Of Crisis

JAKARTA - The people of Ghana began to vote in the general election, Monday, December 7. The main rivalry between President Nana Akufo-Addo and former president, John Mahama.

The two candidates offer their respective plans to help get the nation's economy out of the first quarter of contraction in nearly 40 years.

Attention is focused on the economic strength of West Africa. Ghana is known to have the ability to maintain its position as a bastion for democracy in an unstable region, where this year's election bickering has amplified fears of a country's shift back into authoritarianism.

There are 12 presidential candidates. But voters are likely to choose between Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party, and the Mahama National Democratic Congress, which has taken turns in power since 1992. A new line of parliament will also be elected in the elections.

Last year, Ghana managed to pull out of a three-year loan program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), only to face slumping demand for its main export commodities oil and cocoa due to the spread of a new coronavirus.

If elected for a second four-year term, Akufo-Addo pledged to come forward with a US $ 17 billion recovery program to boost jobs. On the other hand, Mama's main promise is an infrastructure program worth US $ 10 billion.

Long lines of voters snaked their way outside the election post and onto the street in Tema Barat district in the capital Accra. Rookie voter Efua Opoku-Ware, 18, said he was voting for "a better leader who will overcome the unemployment situation and give hope to the younger generation for a better future", refusing to say which candidate he chose.

The contestation is expected to be intense, although commentators say Akufo-Addo has slightly outperformed its performance during the pandemic, where its administration provided free water and subsidized electricity to homes.

"She has brought hope to many Ghanaians through her social interventions. This year has been a difficult year," said 45-year-old businessman Evelyn Amey.

The two sides agreed on Friday to settle electoral issues in court after fears arose that unofficial security groups employed by politicians could interfere with voting.

Polling stations open at 7 a.m. local time, and close at 5 p.m. The vote count results are expected to be out by December 10 at the latest.