Polls Closed, Counting Underway for Ghana’s 2024 General Elections

The 2024 general elections in Ghana have officially entered the next phase as polls closed across the country late Saturday evening. With the votes cast now being counted, the focus has shifted to the crucial task of determining the outcome of both the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Observers and stakeholders alike are keeping a close watch on the process as expectations and anticipation build.

Dr. Kwame Sarpong Aseidu, a prominent political commentator and analyst, took to Facebook shortly after polls closed, expressing optimism while underscoring the importance of the election’s peaceful and transparent conclusion.

“The poll has closed. Well done Ghana, the Electoral Commission, and Ghana Police. You still have a lot to do, don’t drop the ball. Ghana must win.

”Dr. Sarpong’s words echoed the sentiments of many citizens, emphasizing the need for diligence, impartiality, and professionalism as the country navigates this critical democratic moment.

The statement highlighted the roles of key institutions—the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service—as they oversee the voting process, manage the vote count, and ensure that peace is maintained as Ghana transitions to its next government.

The elections were largely reported as peaceful, with few incidents of violence. The Ghana Police Service, working in collaboration with other security agencies, maintained a visible presence at polling stations and surrounding areas to ensure safety and calm throughout the day.

Reports indicate that voter turnout was strong, reflecting the commitment of Ghanaian citizens to participate in the democratic process.

The Electoral Commission was also commended for its preparation and execution of the process, with no major disruptions reported at polling stations across the nation.

Voters in both urban and rural constituencies exercised their franchise in a determined manner, eager to shape the nation’s political future. As counting gets underway, the integrity of the EC’s systems and its transparency during this stage will be of utmost importance.

Dr. Sarpong’s mention of “a lot to do” alludes to the critical hours ahead as the votes are verified and collated. While polls closed in the evening, counting has been reported as proceeding methodically, with the EC assuring the public of transparency and prompt updates as results are made available.

In the wake of the polls’ closure, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), one of Ghana’s two major political parties, has urged its supporters to take an active role in ensuring the integrity of the counting process.

“We call on all our supporters to proceed immediately to their respective polling stations to witness the counting of ballots. Your presence is crucial to ensure transparency and provide support to our agents.”

This call to action from the NDC underscores concerns about transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The party’s leadership has emphasized that monitoring the count will ensure that any irregularities are swiftly identified and addressed. It reflects Ghana’s ongoing commitment to uphold democratic principles and prevent disputes in the results’ announcement phase.

The statement came as voters and political observers anxiously awaited the next steps in the process, with both parties vying for control of Ghana’s presidency and parliamentary seats.

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has expressed confidence in the party’s chances of victory in the ongoing elections.

“Our confidence in victory is high, but we cannot afford to relax. The real work is ensuring that the votes are protected, counted, and declared accurately. I urge all our party agents to remain vigilant and proactive until the process is fully concluded.”

The statement from the NPP’s General Secretary comes at a pivotal moment as ballots are being counted and both major political parties — the NPP and NDC — mobilize their supporters and representatives to ensure transparency during this critical stage.

Party agents are instrumental in observing the counting process at polling stations and ensuring that no irregularities go unchecked. Frimpong’s call serves as a reminder that vigilance is essential not just for monitoring votes but for ensuring that all legal processes are followed.

Frimpong’s statement also reflects concerns that the counting stage can sometimes become vulnerable to disputes, particularly in tight races. His emphasis on “monitoring every activity carefully” signals the NPP’s commitment to preventing any potential malfeasance that could compromise public trust in the system.

Both parties are deeply invested in the outcome, given the socioeconomic challenges Ghana faces, including inflation, unemployment, and other structural economic reforms. The election represents a turning point as Ghana seeks to stabilize its economy and address citizen concerns while maintaining its democratic principles.

Observers from local and international organizations are poised to report on the process, with the global community keeping a watchful eye on Ghana’s ability to maintain stability and democracy during this significant election.

As both major parties and citizens await clarity, the path forward rests on fairness, transparency, and trust in the institutions governing the nation’s democracy.

Ghana has long been celebrated as a beacon of democracy in the West African region, and this election marks yet another pivotal moment in its democratic journey. With the polls closed and the counting underway, the eyes of the nation—and the world—remain fixed on the final outcome.

By Leo Nelson || Ghananewsonline.com.gh