Main contenders in the Ghana presidential elections narrow down to two prominent leaders. The incumbent, President Nana Akufo-Addo, and the main opposition party leader, former president John Mahama. The elections are set to take place on December the 7th. Parliamentary elections are expected to take place on the same day as well. Ghanaians seem to be in a dilemma on who to vote for between the two. Both contestants seem to garner up a huge multitude of voters. Hopefully, the elections will ease the tension and help Ghana come to a decision. The election survey revealed the main contenders following the rising tensions between the two.
Main Contender in Ghana election 1: Nana Akufo-Addo
President Nana is probably the eldest running candidate. At 76 years old, he is very energetic and adamant about winning this election for another term in office. Mahama seems to be less of a threat to him especially considering that he once defeated him in the 2016 presidential election. His late father once also shared the presidency seat. However, in 1972, he was ousted following a coup.
2020 elections project a different trajectory. Critics say Nana hasn’t displayed a good role in his presidency term. His previous campaign promises are yet to be seen in action. For instance, the promise of setting up factories in each district is an understatement now. Additionally, the country’s economy is languishing in enormous public debts.
However, Nana has managed to salvage himself amidst the Corona pandemic. In the hopes of restoring his public interest, which is key to his campaigns, his citizens enjoy certain privileges. To help cushion his people, Nana has Ghanaians take advantage of the subsidized electricity to households. Furthermore, he has made water available for free to the citizens. Moreover, he has assured his people that a $17 billion program will be launched in the event of his victory. The program aims to bring back the country’s economy, improve social mobility, and create more jobs.
Akufo-Addo is a qualified barrister in Britain. He descends from a royal family in the Eastern region of Ghana, Akyem. He has had a long legal career in Spain, France, and Ghana before joining politics. So far, Nana stands out as a winner in the pre-election surveys conducted.
Main Contender in Ghana election 2: John Mahama
Mahama is running for presidency under the National Democratic Congress party. He ascended to power following the demise of his predecessor, John Atta Mills. He conceded defeat to Akufo-Addo in an election held later the same year. His leadership term was not at all a smooth ride. At the time, global commodities were squeezing revenues from gold, oil, and cocoa exports.
Akufo-Addo was not relentless in accusing Mahama of corruption and mismanagement acts. Apparently, the feud worked in Akufo-Addo`s favor, and thus defeated Mahama in the 2016 elections. Nonetheless, Mahama denied all the charges against him. Ahead of his campaigns this year, he has big plans in store following his victory.
He is looking forward to implementing a $10 billion infrastructure plan. Moreover, a free school program and health benefits are promised. Mahama is a Christian from a Muslim based town north of his country, Bole. He is also a post-graduate with a degree in Social Psychology at an institute of social sciences in Moscow. He has familiarized well with the government, where he has worked as a minister of communication.
More:
- All Set for Ghana’s 7th December Elections
- The Life of JJ Rawlings and His Political Contribution to Ghana
