Voting is officially underway across Ghana, as citizens from all 276 constituencies participate in the 2024 general elections to choose a president and Members of Parliament.
The much-anticipated election, a cornerstone of Ghana’s democratic tradition, is being conducted at 40,647 polling stations nationwide. Voting began at 7 a.m., with a determined and hopeful atmosphere as millions exercise their franchise.
This year’s election is notable for its scale and logistical advancements. In addition to the main polling stations, 328 Special Voting centres were set up to accommodate security personnel, journalists, and election officials who voted on Monday, December 2, to ensure smooth operations on election day.
At the centre of the polls are 12 presidential candidates, representing both seasoned political figures and fresh contenders. Among them are flagbearers from the two dominant parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as well as candidates from smaller parties and independent aspirants. They are vying to lead Ghana for the next four years, with manifestos addressing key issues such as economic development, job creation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The stakes are high, with voter registration seeing a significant rise. The Electoral Commission reports that 18,774,159 voters are registered for this election, an increase from the 17,027,941 registered in 2020.
Breaking down the numbers, 459,291 voters fall under the diaspora or Special Voting categories, comprising 4 percent of the total electorate. Gender distribution reveals a slight majority of female voters at 52 percent, highlighting their critical role in shaping the nation’s future.
Notably, youth aged 18 to 35 make up 55 percent of the electorate, making them a decisive force. With concerns such as employment, education, and digital innovation, their participation is expected to significantly influence the outcome. Political parties have heavily engaged with young voters, leveraging social media, rallies, and targeted policy proposals to win their support.
The Electoral Commission has prioritised transparency and integrity in the electoral process, deploying biometric verification devices to authenticate voters and ensure credible results. Security measures have been heightened, with law enforcement agencies tasked with maintaining peace at polling stations.
Observers from domestic and international organisations are stationed across the country to monitor the process and ensure adherence to democratic principles.
As the day unfolds, the focus remains on the peaceful and fair conduct of the elections, a hallmark of Ghana’s vibrant democracy.
