Ghana 2020 Elections: Akufo-Addo v. longtime rival Mahama, Again

The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Mr Akufo-Addo, 76, and his longtime rival, Mr Mahama, 62, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), are the leading candidates for presidency for a record third time. The two men first ran against each other in 2012.

There are more than 17 million registered voters this year, with more than 33,000 polling stations. 

A pre-election survey from the Ghana Center for Democratic Development found voters concerned about infrastructure, unemployment and education. While there are 12 presidential candidates, the major contenders are incumbent President Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Ghana has reported more than 50,000 Covid-19 infections, with at least 300 people succumbing to the virus.The Electoral Commission introduced COVID-19 ambassadors to ensure mask-wearing, hand washing facilities and temperature checks.  

The Electoral Commission has said it will aim to have results declared within 24 hours of closing.