Mr. Edward Akufo-Addo has emerged as a clear favourite to become Ghana's first civilian President since the 1966 military coup which ousted former President Kwame Nkrumah. Mr. Akufo-Addo resigned as Ghana's Chief Justice yesterday (Friday) so he could contest the elections to be held on Monday.

Observers say the 63 year old Judge is expected to be supported by the ruling Progress Party which would make him virtually certain of election. The President will be chosen by a secret ballot among the 164 members of the Electoral College.

The Progress Party, with 105 members of Parliament will have a large majority in the College which will comprise the 140 members of the National Assembly and 24 chiefs.

Four other candidates have declared their intention to enter the Presidential race. They are; Doctor P.D. Adjani, a bio-chemist and former member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. D.A. Attrams, Mr. B.C. Odei and Doctor Isaac Asafu-Adjaye, a doctor and former member of the Council of State.

To stand for election candidates must be nominated by ten members of the Electoral College and some observers doubt whether these candidates will muster sufficient support.

The Opposition M.P.S. said they would not sponsor any candidate.