A wave of confusion has swept through the much-anticipated balloting of presidential candidates for the 2024 general elections, with the Electoral Commission (EC) facing mounting criticism over the process.
The event, which was intended to determine the order in which qualified candidates would appear on the ballot, has sparked discontent among some candidates, with one candidate dramatically walking out of the venue.
The tension began when the EC announced a decision to prioritize candidates sponsored by political parties, allocating them the first nine spots on the ballot paper, while reserving the remaining positions for independent candidates. This move immediately drew sharp criticism from several quarters, particularly from independent candidates, who felt sidelined by the arrangement.
Nana Kwame Bediako, an independent candidate, expressed his displeasure openly during the proceedings. He argued that the EC’s decision was biased and undermined the principles of equality and fairness. Bediako staged a walk-out from the event, marking a dramatic turn of events during what should have been a routine process.
Below is the full list of qualified candidates:
- Mahamudu Bawumia – New Patriotic Party (NPP)
- John Dramani Mahama – National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen – Independent Candidate
- Christian Kwabena Andrews – Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
- Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr – Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP)
- George Twum-Barima-Adu – Independent Candidate
- Nana Kwame Bediako – Independent Candidate
- Akua Donkor – Ghana Freedom Party (GFP)
- Hassan Abdulai Ayariga – All People’s Congress (APC)
- Kofi Akpaloo – Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)
- Mohammed Frimpong – National Democratic Party (NDP)
- Nana Akosua Frimpomaa – Convention People’s Party (CPP)
- Kofi Koranteng – Independent Candidate