The much-anticipated elections in Ghana commenced today at 7 a.m., marking a significant day in the nation’s democratic journey. Reports from polling stations across the country indicate a generally peaceful atmosphere as voters exercise their civic duty. Long queues formed early in the morning, showcasing the commitment of Ghanaians to participate in shaping the country’s future. Security personnel have been deployed to ensure safety and order, while election officials are diligently facilitating the voting process. As the day unfolds, all eyes remain on Ghana, a beacon of democracy in Africa, to see how this election unfolds.
Dr. Bawumia Concedes Defeat to Mahama
Following the 2024 general elections, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has conceded defeat and extended his congratulations to John Dramani Mahama.
As the Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the provisional election results and reaffirmed his commitment to a smooth and peaceful transition of power.
In a national address on Sunday, December 8, he revealed that he had personally called former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him on his victory.
Dr. Bawumia pledged his full support to the former President, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and fostering uninterrupted national development.
Electoral Commission Warns Political Parties Against Mobilizing Supporters to Collation Centers
Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a stern warning to political parties, cautioning them against mobilizing supporters to collation centers during the election process. The EC emphasized that these centers are restricted zones, with access granted only to individuals issued official credentials by the Commission.
The warning follows public calls by both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for their supporters to assemble at collation centers. This has raised concerns about potential security breaches and disruptions to the collation process.
“The collation centers are strictly for authorized personnel, including party agents, election officials, and observers. Any unauthorized presence could undermine the integrity and security of the process,” the EC stated in a press release.
NPP Dominates Wiini Polling Station in Nkwanta North, Oti Region
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has emerged as the clear frontrunner at Wiini Polling Station in the Nkwanta North District of the Oti Region. Preliminary results show the NPP garnering 165 votes, significantly outpacing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which secured 70 votes. The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) managed to gain just one vote.
Bawumia Leads in Early Results at Asante Juaben Methodist B
Early results from the Asante Juaben Methodist B polling station are showcasing a strong lead for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the ongoing elections. Provisional tallies indicate Bawumia securing 247 votes, far ahead of his closest rival, former President John Dramani Mahama, who managed 20 votes. Alan Kyerematen, who recently declared his independent candidacy, registered a single vote at this station.
Polls Officially Close Nationwide in Ghana’s 2024 Elections
Polls have officially closed across the country for Ghana’s highly anticipated 2024 general elections. However, voting is still ongoing at polling stations where voters were already in line before the official closing time. According to electoral regulations, voters who were in the queue before the cutoff will be allowed to cast their ballots.
The Electoral Commission has emphasized that no one will be permitted to join the queue after the official closing time, ensuring the integrity of the voting process. Reports indicate that polling officials at various centers are following this directive, marking the end of what has been described as a generally peaceful voting exercise.
Observers and party agents remain at polling stations to oversee the final stages of voting and the subsequent counting process. Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed to ensure order and prevent any disruptions as the electoral process transitions into the crucial vote-tallying phase.
Police Arrest 4 Persons in Connection with Shooting Incident at Nyankpala in the Northern Region
The Ghana Police Service has arrested four individuals in connection with the tragic shooting incident that occurred earlier today at Nyankpala in the Northern Region. The incident resulted in the death of one person and left another injured.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Majid Issah, Fodi Issiage Kamara, Yakubu Simalia, and Alhaji Bashiru Mohamed. They are currently in police custody, where they are assisting with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The injured victim is reportedly receiving medical treatment at a nearby facility, while the body of the deceased has been transferred to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
One Dead in Shooting Incident at Nyankpala in Tolon Constituency
A tragic shooting incident at Nyankpala in the Tolon Constituency of the Northern Region has claimed the life of one individual during the ongoing general elections. The confrontation reportedly began as a heated disagreement between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) organizer for the constituency over allegations of money-sharing by the NPP official.
TV3 Reporter Allegedly Detained by Military at Susanna Lodge in East Cantonments
TV3 has reported that one of their journalists, Nobel Cosby Annan, has been detained by military personnel at the Susanna Lodge in East Cantonments, Accra. According to the media house, the incident occurred while Annan was following up on allegations of ballot stuffing linked to the ongoing general elections.
The allegations, reportedly raised by some executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), prompted Annan to investigate and report on the situation. However, upon arriving at the location, the reporter was reportedly locked up by the military personnel stationed at the lodge.
The details surrounding the allegations of ballot stuffing remain unclear, and there has been no official confirmation or statement from the Electoral Commission or security agencies regarding the claims
NPP Commends Electoral Commission and Security Agencies, Condemns Alleged Malpractice in Kintampo South
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed its satisfaction with the general conduct of the ongoing elections, commending the Electoral Commission (EC) and the security agencies for ensuring a largely peaceful process so far. This sentiment was shared during a press conference held earlier today, as the nation heads into the final hours before the polls close.
The party’s Communications Director acknowledged the commendable efforts of both the EC and security agencies in maintaining order and professionalism throughout the electoral process. “We are grateful for the work of the Electoral Commission and the security forces in ensuring a peaceful and smooth election across the country,” the Director stated.
However, the NPP also used the opportunity to highlight a concerning incident that occurred in the Kintampo South Constituency, where an Electoral Commission official, identified as Dery Joseph, allegedly issued 15 ballot papers with the first presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, missing from the ballot. The party described the act as a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Haruna Iddrisu Confident of Landslide Victory in Tamale South, Raises Concern Over Election Violence
Former Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed optimism about securing an overwhelming victory in the ongoing elections. He stated that he is confident of garnering over 90,000 votes out of a little more than 100,000 in the constituency, effectively extending his term as the representative for the area.
In an interview with the media, Haruna Iddrisu emphasized his strong connection with the people of Tamale South, attributing his confidence to his track record and the unwavering support of his constituents. “The people of Tamale South know my commitment to their development and welfare, and I am confident they will renew my mandate with a significant margin,” he remarked.
However, the seasoned politician expressed deep concern over a shooting incident that marred the electoral process in the constituency. According to him, the incident was reminiscent of similar violent episodes that occurred during the 2020 elections. He did not mince words in blaming the ruling government for the unfortunate situation, accusing them of failing to provide the necessary security measures to prevent such occurrences.
Haruna Iddrisu called on the security agencies to intensify their efforts in maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of voters across the constituency. “We cannot allow a repeat of the chaos and violence we witnessed in 2020. The security services must up their game to safeguard the democratic process,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, the former Minority Leader reaffirmed his commitment to peace and urged his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding as the electoral process unfolds. He also reiterated the importance of credible elections in strengthening democracy and called for the swift investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for the violence.
The Tamale South constituency remains a stronghold for Haruna Iddrisu, who has consistently won the seat since first contesting in 2004. His confidence in achieving a resounding victory further underscores his influence and popularity in the area. As the electoral process progresses, all eyes remain on Tamale South to see if Haruna Iddrisu’s predictions will come to pass.
Hawa Koomson Confident of 60% Victory in Awutu Senya East
The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has expressed optimism about securing a decisive 60% win in the ongoing elections within the constituency. Her confidence reflects her belief in the unwavering support of her constituents as she seeks re-election.
Awutu Senya East has faced its share of electoral challenges in the past. Notably, during the 2020 elections, the Steps to Christ Centre polling station was marred by gun violence, leaving one person injured. Despite such incidents, Koomson has assured the public that she remains committed to a peaceful electoral process and will not allow any disruptions to overshadow the polls.
In addressing the electorate, Hawa Koomson emphasized her resolve to maintain composure and ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly and transparently. Her commitment to upholding order comes as part of her broader effort to rebuild trust and confidence in the democratic process within the constituency.
Responding to rumors of alleged ballot stuffing in the Ga South Municipality that surfaced late yesterday, Koomson firmly denied any involvement or irregularities in the election process. She reassured her supporters and the general public that the claims were baseless, emphasizing the integrity of her campaign and the electoral process in Awutu Senya East.
Koomson remains confident in her track record and the loyalty of her constituents. She believes that her development-focused initiatives have resonated with voters, giving her a strong foundation to secure victory in the polls.
Polling Station Agent Arrested for Alleged Double Voting in the Western Region
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of a polling station agent at the Wassa Akropong-Appiahkhrom Polling Station A in the Western Region for allegedly engaging in double voting during the ongoing general elections.
The suspect, identified as Kwofie Stephen, is currently in police custody and assisting with investigations. According to reports, election officials flagged irregularities when they noticed an attempt by the accused to cast a second ballot fraudulently. This prompted immediate action from officials, who subsequently handed him over to law enforcement for further investigation.
Double voting is a serious offense under Ghana’s electoral laws, as it undermines the credibility of the democratic process. The police have assured the public that they are committed to investigating the matter thoroughly and will ensure that any individual found culpable is dealt with according to the law.
EC Official Arrested for Alleged Electoral Malpractice in Kintampo South
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of an Electoral Commission (EC) official, Dery Joseph, in connection with alleged electoral malpractice during the ongoing elections. The incident occurred in the Kintampo South Constituency of the Bono East Region, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process in that area.
According to the police, the suspect, who was stationed at the Ampesika-Bayere polling station, is under investigation for reportedly issuing approximately 15 ballot papers to voters that excluded the name of the first presidential candidate on the ballot. The omission, if confirmed, could have serious implications for the EC official involved.
The authorities have assured the public of a thorough investigation to ascertain how the irregularity occurred and whether it was an intentional act or a genuine error.
