Ghana's Akufo-Addo holds poll advantage over old foe

Significance

This is the third time Akufo-Addo and Mahama have faced each other: Akufo-Addo lost to Mahama in 2012 but won in 2016. The appearance of two well-known candidates may contribute to rising voter apathy.

Impacts

• While Akufo-Addo is likely to win a first round, an apparent tightening in the polls means a run-off election cannot be ruled out.
• The growing social media focus of campaigns will increasingly exclude poorer, more remote voters -- especially rural women in the north.
• Recent unrest associated with the Western Togoland secession movement in the Volta Region could re-emerge over the short-to-medium term.