Voting has started across Ghana as the nation embarks on its highly anticipated general election to elect a president and 276 parliamentarians.

This particular election is labelled by many as one of the most contested in Ghana’s history, with 12 candidates vying for the presidency.

18,774,159 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots in over 40,000 polling stations across the country.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is up against former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the leading candidates, with both candidates having run vigorous campaigns.

Other presidential contenders include Nana Kwame Bediako (The New Force), Alan Kyerematen (Movement for Change), Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr. (Great Consolidated Popular Party), George Twum-Barima-Adu (Independent), Hassan Abdulai Ayariga (All People’s Congress), Kofi Akpaloo (Liberal Party of Ghana), Mohammed Frimpong (National Democratic Party), Nana Akosua Frimpomaa (Convention People’s Party), and Kofi Koranteng (Independent).

The election will also determine the composition of Ghana’s would be 276-member Parliament.

Election officials are working to ensure the smooth conduct of the election, with security agencies in place to maintain law and order throughout the process. The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission will declare the presidential election winner after collating the results from all 16 regions.

Voters have been encouraged to participate peacefully and to follow all electoral guidelines to ensure the integrity of the election.