Ghana's two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are holding their final rallies today, Thursday, as the nation prepares for Saturday's decisive presidential and parliamentary elections.

With high stakes, both parties are making a last-minute push to win over undecided voters and energize their supporters.

The NPP is hosting its rally at the University of Ghana Sports Complex in Accra, led by flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and joined by notable party figures. At Zurak Park in Madina in Accra, NDC flagbearer John Mahama, accompanied by key members of his party, is delivering a passionate message to rally the faithful and call for change.

John Mahama urged Ghanaians to end what he described as years of mismanagement under the current administration. “A nation with one destiny. A destiny that cannot afford to endure one additional day beyond 7th January 2025 of the maladministration, mismanagement, and state capture this nation has been subjected to over the last almost eight years."

"For the sake of God’s children and in the name of God, the people of Ghana will wake up from this nightmare and envision a bright new dawn of opportunities for all its people and not just a few,” he said.

Mahama described the current situation as alarming, stating, “Our dear nation Ghana is bleeding, Ghana’s soul is bleeding. Ghana’s soul is calling for change. Mother Ghana is crying for its true and genuine patriotic citizens to rise to reset our beloved nation. Ghanaians can take no more of the hardship, the impunity, the state capture, the hypocrisy, the lies, and bad governance that has been inflicted on them over the two terms of this outgoing administration.”

Meanwhile, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia expressed confidence in the NPP’s chances, stating that the party’s momentum was stronger heading into the elections.

“With God, it is possible. Over 18 million Ghanaians will have the opportunity to decide on a new leader and parliamentarians to govern the affairs of the state over the next four years. The race is on, and I know that the momentum is on our side,” he said.

Dr Bawumia praised the commitment of party members and expressed optimism about the impact of the NPP’s proposals. “I have witnessed first-hand the enthusiasm, commitment, and determination of the rank and file of our party. The great NPP to break the eight and usher in life-transforming ideas that will deliver broad-based prosperity to all Ghanaians. From my possibilities tour, I came across hope, expectations, and the belief that it is possible to transform Ghana and create a sense of pride in the Ghanaian.”

As large crowds gather for these final rallies, the Ghana Police Service has announced enhanced security measures to ensure safety before, during, and after the elections.

The police will conduct aerial monitoring with helicopters and have deployed additional personnel to maintain order. The Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, Grace Ansah-Akrofi assured the public of their readiness to manage security throughout the electoral process.

Two police helicopters will be flying over the rally grounds to provide surveillance and monitor activities on the ground to ensure the safety of attendees and to look out for any suspicious activity that may require intervention by the police or other security agencies.

“As the case may be, we want to once again give our assurance to the good people of this country that the National Election Security Task Force remains poised. We are leaving no stone unturned, covering every corner and every aspect to ensure that these rallies, despite the proximity of the locations, will proceed smoothly. By the time the rallies are over, there will be peace, security, law, and order,” she said.