Polls open in Ghana for presidential and legislative elections during economic crisis
Polls opened in Ghana on Saturday for presidential and legislative elections amid a severe economic crisis. About 18.7 million voters are registered, but many feel the two main candidates offer little hope for change. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party faces former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress. Both candidates have similar economic proposals, despite their parties' differing ideologies. The elections come after Ghana defaulted on foreign debt last year, with inflation peaking at 54%. Concerns over illegal gold mining and rising costs of living have dominated the campaign, reflecting widespread voter dissatisfaction.