The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has arrived in Bole, his hometown in the Savannah Region, to participate in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The former president, made a stop at his family house where he offered prayers at the gravesite of his father before heading to cast his vote at the Bole D/A polling station. He was surrounded by family and many well-wishers who had gathered in anticipation of his arrival.

As the election progresses, all eyes remain on how the NDC will perform, especially in their strongholds, including the Savannah Region.

The race to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is in full swing as Ghanaians head to the polls to elect their next leader. With 13 candidates vying for the presidency, the contest features nine political party representatives and four independent candidates, making it a highly diverse and competitive election.

Among the contenders, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are the leading figures, both determined to secure over 50% of the vote to claim victory.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is campaigning on the theme of digitalization and economic transformation, is looking to make history by leading the NPP to an unprecedented third consecutive term in office under the Fourth Republic.
Meanwhile, John Mahama, championing a 24-hour economy and pledging to tackle unemployment and corruption, seeks to reclaim the presidency. A win for Mahama would make him the first Ghanaian president to be re-elected after previously serving two terms—a historic feat in the nation’s political landscape.

While the frontrunners dominate the race, two other candidates are drawing significant interest. Alan Kyerematen, leading the Movement for Change after his breakaway from the NPP, offers a fresh perspective aimed at reforming the status quo. Nana Kwame Bediako, representing the New Force Movement, is making waves with his appeal to younger voters and his vision for innovative governance.

Of the 18.8 million voters, 459,291 represent 4% of the voter population. 48% of the voters are male, while the female population makes up 52%. The role of the youth in the elections will be significant as they make up 55% of the voter population.

A total of 40,976 polling centres will be used for the 2024 elections, with 328 already used for the Special Voting exercises that took place on Monday, December 2, and Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Of the 13 presidential candidates, four are independent, while nine represent political parties. This means that the elections will have nine political parties contesting.
In the parliamentary elections, there are 111 candidates contesting as independents.

As Ghanaians decide their future, this election represents a turning point in the country’s democratic journey. Will the NPP “break the 8,” or will the NDC reclaim power with Mahama at the helm?
Whatever the outcome, Ghana’s democratic legacy will once again be on display for the world to see.

Written by: Maame Adwoa A. Mensah