Several presidential hopefuls officially entered the race for the December 2024 elections by submitting their nomination forms on Monday, September 9, 2024.
Among the candidates were Dr. Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC), Samuel Apea-Danquah from Yellow Ghana, and independent candidate George Twum Barima Adu.
Notably, Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, filed his nomination at the Electoral Commission’s (EC) office, along with Kofi Akpaloo, leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).
Kofi Akpaloo, a familiar face in Ghana’s presidential race, is once again putting himself forward to lead the nation.
Dr. Hassan Ayariga, after submitting his forms, reflected on his disqualification in 2016 under former EC Chairperson Charlotte Osei.
He attributed his disqualification at the time to politically motivated discrepancies in his signature, arguing that slight variations in signatures are natural and should not have been grounds for disqualification.
Ayariga expressed satisfaction with the current EC, stating, “In 2016, the disqualification was based on differences in signature.
I wrote to Madam Charlotte then, pointing out that signatures are not rubber stamps they naturally vary, and this shouldn’t be a reason to disqualify anyone.”
He further supported the current EC leadership, adding, “I was vindicated by my stance against her, which is why she’s no longer the EC Chair.
We now have a new Commissioner, and we’re here to support them in ensuring Ghana elects a free, fair, and transparent president.”
Earlier in the day, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, also filed his nomination. Accompanied by his wife, Samira Bawumia, and running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, along with other party executives, Bawumia submitted his bid with hopes of continuing his party’s leadership.
The day was expected to conclude with former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, submitting his nomination as he aims for a return to the presidency in the upcoming elections.
As the race intensifies, all candidates are calling for a fair and transparent election process, with the December contest drawing significant attention.
