Ghana Faces Crowded Presidential Race as 9 Candidates File Nomination Forms

The 2024 Ghanaian presidential election is shaping up to be a highly competitive affair, with nine candidates officially filing their nomination forms on Monday, September 9th. The group includes the flagbearers of the two dominant political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Representing the NPP is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who filed his nomination in person, accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, their wives, and other NPP party officials. The NDC's candidate, John Dramani Mahama, had his nomination forms filed on his behalf by the party's National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, and other senior members.

In addition to the candidates from the two major parties, seven other presidential aspirants also submitted their nomination forms to the Electoral Commission (EC) on Monday. They include Percival Kofi Akpaloo, the leader and founder of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG); Nana Kwame Bediako, representing the New Force Movement; George Twum-Barima, the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) leader; Christian Kwabena Andrews, and Samuel Apea-Danquah of Yellow Ghana.

The remaining two candidates are Nana Anim Nuamah of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG) and Hassan Ayariga of the All People's Congress (APC). Akpaloo, Apea-Danquah, and Bediako (also known as Cheddar) filed their nominations directly at the EC office, where they were received by the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, and other commission members.

With a total of around 30 presidential aspirants expected to contest the race, the EC will now begin the process of scrutinizing and vetting the nomination forms submitted. This step is crucial in ensuring that only eligible candidates are allowed to participate in the election.

The crowded field of candidates reflects the high level of political engagement and competition in Ghana's democratic landscape. As the nation prepares for the upcoming election, voters will have a wide range of options to choose from, highlighting the vibrancy of the country's multiparty system.

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