Ghana prepares for general election amid severe economic crisis and low voter sentiment
Ghanaians will vote on Saturday in a general election amid a severe economic crisis, with inflation reaching 54% last year. The election is seen as a test for democracy in a region facing instability from coups and violence. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party and former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress are the main candidates. Both parties have equal representation in parliament, with 137 members each. Voter sentiment is low, with 82% believing the country is heading in the wrong direction. The election comes after Ghana defaulted on foreign debt and faces challenges from illegal mining, which has harmed the environment and fueled public discontent.