ACCRA, Ghana (BG) – Ghanaian voters are heading to the polls on Saturday, December 7, to elect a new president and members of parliament in a general election that underscores the country’s strong democratic tradition and peaceful political transitions.

The presidential race is shaping up as a contest between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Bawumia, 61, an Oxford-educated economist, has focused his campaign on economic reforms and digital transformation. He has pledged to stabilize the West African country’s economy, continue transformative policies, and scrap controversial taxes.

Mahama, 65, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, is campaigning on a promise to “reset” the country. He has criticized the ruling government’s handling of the economy and vowed to address the economic crisis while improving living standards.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 5 p.m. GMT, with approximately 18.8 million registered voters casting ballots to elect the president and 276 members of parliament. Results are expected to be announced within three days.

Ghana, often regarded as a beacon of democracy in Africa, has held eight free and fair elections since 1992. The country is lauded for its independent judiciary, free press, and active civil society.

Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, urged officials on Thursday to ensure the credibility of the process. “We trust in you to deliver free, fair, credible, and transparent elections that will reflect the will of the people… and ensure that every vote will count,” she said in an impassioned address.

Both candidates have made their final appeals to voters, emphasizing their visions for addressing Ghana’s pressing issues as the country prepares for another peaceful democratic transition.