12 candidates kicked out from Ghana’s presidential election

As Ghanaians gear up to vote in the upcoming presidential elections on December 7, the country's Electoral Commission recently made headlines by disqualifying 12 presidential candidates for failing to meet the stipulated requirements. This move has sparked interest and concern within the business community and the broader society in Ghana. The disqualification includes some prominent figures such as Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, daughter of former president Jerry Rawlings, and Dr. Hassan Ayariga, a well-known figure in Ghanaian politics. The disqualifications were based on issues such as incomplete nomination forms and multiple subscriptions, as highlighted by the Electoral Commission. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Emmanuel Tsigbey, Head of Business Development and Research at Standard Securities, shed light on the expectations and implications of the disqualifications as the country approaches the crucial election day. Tsigbey pointed out that while the ruling government has made strides in areas such as healthcare and infrastructure development, economic challenges such as high inflation and unemployment rates could impact voters' decisions. This, in turn, is likely to make the competition between the main parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), highly competitive. Tsigbey also addressed concerns about the potential outcomes of the election and the impact on stability in the country. Despite past elections in Ghana being closely contested and at times contentious, he expressed optimism about the country's ability to maintain stability post-election. However, he acknowledged that the current election carries higher stakes, given the significant participation of various parties and the heightened level of competition. With less than a month to go until election day, all eyes are on Ghana as the country prepares for a critical moment in its democratic journey. Investors and observers alike are monitoring the situation closely, with a keen interest in the developments leading up to the polls. The disqualification of the 12 presidential candidates adds an element of uncertainty to the electoral landscape, making it essential for stakeholders to stay informed and engaged in the process. As Ghana navigates through the final stretch of the election campaign, the coming weeks are likely to be filled with political activities, debates, and increased scrutiny on the candidates vying for the nation's top leadership position. The outcome of the election will not only shape the future of Ghana but also have implications for the broader African region. As the world watches, Ghana stands at a critical juncture, poised to demonstrate its commitment to democracy and good governance.