Jean Mensah
A record 39 aspirants have picked up presidential forms from the Electoral Commission (EC), signaling a highly competitive and crowded field for the 2024 presidential election.
The aspirants, comprising 12 registered political parties and 27 independent candidates, have until September 13 to submit their completed forms to the EC.
This development has sparked excitement and curiosity among political observers, who are eager to see which candidates will eventually make it onto the ballot paper.
The EC has set a filing fee of GH¢100,000 for presidential candidates, with female candidates and persons with disability required to pay GH¢75,000.
The number of aspirants this year is significantly higher than in previous elections, with 12 candidates contesting the 2020 presidential election.
The EC has assured that all aspirants will be given a fair chance to contest, and that the commission will ensure a transparent and credible process.
Among the aspirants are some familiar faces, including Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, a former Minister of Trade and Industry, and Samuel Apea-Danquah, a former presidential staffer.
Other notable aspirants include George Twum-Barima-Adu, a businessman, and Dr. Agnes Ayisha, a medical doctor.
The EC has also received applications from several political parties, including the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NPP has already selected its flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, while the NDC is going with former President John Mahama.
The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in Ghana’s history, with many aspirants vying for the top job.
The EC has promised to ensure a free, fair, and transparent process, and has urged all aspirants to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful and respectful manner.
-BY Daniel Bampoe