Voting in Ghana

Ghana's presidential and parliamentary elections took place on 7 December.  No presidential candidate won over 50% and the two leading  candidates, Nana Akufo-Addo of the ruling NPP (New Patriotic Party), and John Mills, (National Democratic Congress), contested a second round   on 28 December.  Of 230 constituencies, the NDC won 50.23% and the NPP 49.77%.      
           

The UK's election support of approximately £1m included televised presidential debates; observation by British government representatives and   the Carter Center; work to encourage participation by women and muslims; and media and police training. We worked with the main political       parties, Electoral Commission, security agencies and the media to encourage effective co-operation, including to address legitimate grievances.         We also worked closely with other representatives of the international community, and civil society, to ensure co-ordinated and effective       observation. Care was taken to ensure that this support is consistent with the long-term goals of the UK's bilateral development assistance to  Ghana, supported and largely funded by the Department for International Development. This included the UK's efforts to prevent conflict, and    support sustainable solutions to long-running disputes.