Accra: Ghanaians headed to the polls on Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections, hoping for a path to economic recovery after the nation faced its most severe financial crisis in decades, culminating in a major debt default.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has completed his constitutionally mandated two terms, is set to leave office next month. The election in Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa grower and a major gold producer, has attracted 12 presidential candidates. However, the contest is largely seen as a two-way race 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).

Opinion surveys suggest a possible return to power for Mahama, who led the country from 2012 to 2016. Polling stations opened at 7:00 AM GMT and will close at 5:00 PM GMT. While some preliminary parliamentary results may emerge by Saturday night or Sunday, the final presidential outcome is anticipated by Tuesday, with early trends offering potential indicators.

In Accra’s historic Jamestown district, Comfort Saaquah Aidoo, a 68-year-old trader, expressed her desire for change as she cast her vote early. “I was here at 4:30 AM because I don’t want to miss voting. I want a new government—the current one hasn’t delivered on its promises,” she said. Similarly, Joyce Adjadji, a 54-year-old teacher in Afienya, voiced frustrations over rising living costs, calling for leadership change.

Mahama, 66, has positioned himself as an agent of change, criticizing Bawumia for policies he says contributed to Ghana’s economic troubles. He has pledged to renegotiate the terms of a $3 billion IMF bailout secured in 2022 to address Ghana’s debt crisis. Speaking in Accra’s Madina area, Mahama vowed to combat corruption and restore fairness in governance, which he argued are currently lacking.

Bawumia, 61, a former central banker, has highlighted signs of economic recovery under the NPP, pointing to a 6.9% year-on-year growth rate in the second quarter of 2024, the fastest in five years. Addressing supporters at a rally at the University of Ghana, he pledged to simplify the tax system, reduce the number of government ministers by half, and cut public spending by 3% of GDP. “We will win because of the solid work we’ve done as a government,” he declared.

While Ghana’s cedi currency has shown signs of strengthening, inflation and debt sustainability remain key concerns. With approximately 18.7 million registered voters out of a population of 34 million, the election is set to determine Ghana’s course amid ongoing challenges and hopes for renewal.