Ghana: General election to be held on December 7

Event

Ghana will hold presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7. Incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is expected to face the closet challenge from John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who beat Akufo-Addo in the 2012 election before losing to him in 2016. After campaigning was suspended for a week following the death of former President Jerry John Rawlings on November 12, political rallies and other electoral-related events are expected to ramp up across Ghana in the coming days leading up to polling day. Tens of thousands of security personnel will be deployed nationwide to try and ensure the election passes off peacefully.

A heightened security presence is expected across Ghana in the build-up to the election and on polling day and will likely continue in the days following after the results are announced. Any associated protests may be forcibly dispersed by security forces and could cause localized disruptions to businesses and transport.

Advice

Those in Ghana are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the vicinity of any protests or political gatherings, refrain from discussing politically-sensitive topics in public or on social media, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Travelers should exercise increased vigilance on election day and in the following days and minimize time spent in the vicinity of polling stations and political party offices, particularly during the announcement of results.