Vote counting begins in Ghana as new president awaits

Votes are being counted after Saturday's general election in Ghana, following a voting process that was largely peaceful except for a fatal shooting in the north of the country.

Police said four men were arrested at a polling station in the town of Nyankpala, where an opposition MP candidate had attempted to file a complaint but was stopped by ruling party supporters.

Soldiers have since been sent to Nyankpala in armoured vehicles to restore calm.

Elsewhere election day has been peacefully conducted, with some Ghanaians queuing before dawn to make sure they cast their ballots.

Polling centres officially closed at 17:00 GMT, and election results are expected to be announced on Tuesday.

Ghana's land borders have been closed until Sunday evening, in a move that correspondents describe as unusual.

The West African nation is guaranteed a new president as Nana Akufo-Addo steps down after reaching the official limit of two terms in office.

But he could be replaced with a familiar face, if former President John Mahama succeeds in his comeback attempt for the NDC party.

His main challenger is expected to be Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who would become the country's first Muslim leader if he wins for the governing NPP party.

Other candidates include Nana Kwame Bediako, a businessman popular with young voters and Alan Kyerematen, who defected from the ruling NPP party last year.

Close to 19 million Ghanaians are registered to vote.

Despite Ghana recently bringing in tougher legislation to drive up the numbers of women in frontline politics, only one woman is in the running to become president - Nana Akosua Sarpong Frimpomaa of the Convention People's Party (CPP).

The only other female presidential candidate in this election - Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party - died in October. Yet her name will still be listed on ballot papers because the candidate chosen to succeed her was disqualified.

Saturday's general election also sees voters in 275 constituencies across the country choosing their members of parliament.

Since the return of multi-party politics to Ghana in 1992, only candidates from either the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) have won the presidency.

No party has ever won more than two consecutive terms in power.