Ghana is gearing up for a crucial presidential election on December 7, with the race intensifying as voters prepare to select a new leader following the two-term presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo. The election comes at a critical juncture for the West African nation, which is grappling with a severe economic crisis, rising inflation, and growing public debt.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is widely seen as the leading contender, challenging Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The election promises to be fiercely contested, with a number of independent candidates also seeking to disrupt the traditional political landscape.
Key Contenders: Vision and Promises
John Dramani Mahama
At 66, Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, is campaigning on a platform of economic recovery. With the incumbent NPP government facing widespread dissatisfaction over its handling of Ghana’s debt crisis and inflation, Mahama has positioned himself as a leader who can fix the country’s economic woes. His key proposal includes renegotiating Ghana’s $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, aimed at restructuring the country’s debt. During his tenure, Mahama was credited with significant infrastructure development but faced criticism over power shortages and macroeconomic instability.
Mahamudu Bawumia
Vice President Bawumia, 61, became the NPP’s flag-bearer after Akufo-Addo’s departure due to term limits. As Ghana’s first Muslim vice president and the first to lead the NPP outside the Akan ethnic group, Bawumia brings a unique profile to the race. He is heavily associated with the economic policies of the current administration and has pledged to continue efforts to stabilize the economy. His manifesto includes simplifying the tax system, reducing the number of ministers, and cutting public spending. Bawumia’s challenge lies in addressing the criticisms of the NPP’s handling of the economy during a period of unprecedented inflation and a depreciating cedi.
Alan Kyerematen
Once a leading figure within the NPP, Kyerematen, 69, resigned from the party after a disappointing third-place finish in the party’s primaries. Now running as an independent candidate, Kyerematen promises to focus on industrialization and job creation, drawing from his experience as a former trade minister. His campaign highlights the need for economic diversification and strengthening Ghana’s position in global trade, though his departure from the NPP has weakened his standing among traditional party supporters.
Nana Kwame Bediako
A 44-year-old businessman and independent candidate, Bediako has made waves with a unique campaign strategy, initially portraying himself as a mystery candidate. Known for his work in infrastructure development, Bediako has pledged to empower youth and create industries in all regions of Ghana. His promises of a streamlined government, with only 12 cabinet ministers, have resonated with voters disillusioned by the size and cost of the current administration.
Other Presidential Candidates
Other candidates in the election include:
- Christian Kwabena Andrews of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
- Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC)
- Daniel Augustus Lartey of the Great Consolidated People’s Party (GCPP)
- George Twum-Barimah-Adu (Independent Candidate)
- Mohammed Frimpong of the National Democratic Party (NDP)
- Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)
- Kofi Koranteng (Independent Candidate)
- Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong Kumankuma, the sole female candidate following the passing of Akua Donkor a month before the polls.
Key Issues and Challenges
The December election represents more than a contest for political power; it is a referendum on Ghana’s economic future. With rising living costs, unemployment, and a growing debt burden, voters will be seeking solutions to the country’s deepening crisis. For Mahama, the election is an opportunity to return to power and tackle what he terms “the economic mismanagement” under the current administration. His promise to renegotiate the IMF bailout is seen as a direct challenge to the current government’s fiscal policies.
Bawumia’s path to victory hinges on convincing voters that his economic reforms and digital innovations will turn the tide for Ghana’s struggling economy. However, he will have to overcome widespread skepticism surrounding the NPP’s handling of the economy, particularly its controversial economic policies like the E-levy, a digital tax introduced in 2022.
The emergence of independent candidates, including Kyerematen and Bediako, adds an unpredictable element to the race. While neither is expected to win, their campaigns may siphon votes away from the two major parties, potentially influencing the overall outcome. Their candidacies reflect growing discontent with the political establishment and a desire for fresh leadership outside the traditional party system.
Additionally, concerns about the integrity of the electoral process have emerged. Allegations of vote-buying, electoral manipulation, and potential security challenges have raised questions about the fairness of the upcoming elections. The Electoral Commission has committed to ensuring a free and transparent election, but recent incidents of ballot shortages and restricted media access have heightened public anxiety. The role of security forces will be crucial to ensuring the election is peaceful. As Ghana heads to the polls, both domestic and international observers will be monitoring the election closely to ensure its credibility.
Youth Engagement and Social Media: Shaping Ghana’s 2024 Election
A notable feature of this election is the heightened role of youth and social media in shaping political discourse. With youth unemployment at alarming levels and the country’s economic future uncertain, younger voters are turning to platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to voice their concerns and mobilize politically. Candidates are increasingly using social media to connect with this demographic, which is expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
The #Fixthecountry movement, which has garnered significant traction over the past few years, remains a powerful force in this election, influencing political dialogue and pushing for accountability from political leaders.
As Ghanaians prepare to make their decision on December 7, the stakes are incredibly high. With the country facing economic challenges, rising public dissatisfaction, and growing political fragmentation, the 2024 election will be a defining moment in Ghana’s democratic journey. Whether voters choose to continue the current administration’s policies under Bawumia or opt for a return to Mahama’s leadership, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s political and economic future.