Ghana votes as candidates pitch route out of economic crisis

A supporter of Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo attends the final electoral campaign ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections, in Accra, Ghana December 5, 2020. [File Photo, Reuters, Francis Kokoroko]

Ghanaians vote in elections on Monday in which President Nana Akufo-Addo and former president John Mahama offer rival promises to help the economy rebound from its first quarterly contraction in nearly 40 years.

Eyes are on the West African economic powerhouse to see if it can maintain its standing as a bastion of democracy in the unstable region where election disputes this year have fanned fears of a slide back into authoritarianism.

There are 12 presidential candidates, but most voters are likely to choose between Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party, and Mahama’s National Democratic Congress, which have alternated in power since 1992.

Last year Ghana emerged from a three-year lending programme with the International Monetary Fund only for the new coronavirus to knock demand for its key exports of oil and cocoa.

If re-elected for a second four-year term, Akufo-Addo promises to push ahead with a $17 billion  (Sh1.8 trillion) recovery programme to boost jobs, while Mahama’s keystone pledge is a $10 billion (Sh1.1 trillion) infrastructure plan.

The race is expected to be tight, though commentators say Akufo-Addo has a slight lead based on his performance during the pandemic in which his administration provided free water and subsidised electricity to households.

“He has brought hope to many Ghanaians through his social interventions. It’s been a difficult year,” said 45-year-old businesswoman Evelyn Amey in the capital Accra.

The two sides agreed on Friday to resolve any electoral disputes in court, after fears that unofficial security groups hired by politicians could disrupt the vote.

Polls open at 7 a.m. (0700 GMT) and close at 5 p.m. Results are expected no later than Dec. 10, but will likely come sooner.