Ghana’s upcoming elections on December 7 feature former President John Mahama challenging incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia amid economic recovery concerns following a debt crisis and inflation. Historically dominated by the NDC and NPP since 1992, the elections show signs of competitiveness with the emergence of independent candidates appealing to younger voters. The economy remains pivotal in voter decision-making as dissatisfaction with existing parties grows.
In anticipation of the highly competitive Ghanaian national elections scheduled for December 7, former President John Mahama emerges as a significant contender against the ruling party’s candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia. Should Mahama secure victory, he pledges to establish a 24-hour business environment designed to enhance job creation and revitalize the economy, which has been grappling with a $30 billion external debt default since 2022. As for Bawumia, the current Vice President, he remains resolute in his commitment to bolster the economy, notwithstanding the challenges posed by pandemic fallouts and internal strife.
Historically, Ghana’s political landscape has been dominated by two parties—the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) since 1992. University of Ghana’s Kwame Asah Asante emphasizes that despite minor parties’ interest, they have yet to make a significant impact in elections. “One of them is going to carry the day… from 1992 up to 2020, the minor parties have not gone up to 5% in total performance.”
As the elections approach, billboards in Accra reflect the fervor among voters, some of whom express a desire for change from the historical dominance of the two parties. An undecided voter, Angela Ofori, commented, “Since 1992 to this year, we haven’t changed parties … we want [to] change to [a] different party so that we would see more improvements,” indicating a growing sentiment among the populace.
Against this backdrop, independent candidate Nana Kwame Bediako, known as Cheddar, has emerged, aiming to attract younger voters. Although well-received, experts like John Taden note that Bediako’s influence may not significantly alter election dynamics but could potentially prompt a runoff. In addressing everyday concerns, Bediako’s manifesto emphasizes both economic development and eco-friendly policies.
The economic challenges facing Ghana are significant, stemming from its status as the second-largest cocoa producer globally and the ramifications of a $30 billion external debt default from last year. Asante points out that critical electoral issues include infrastructure, health, education, corruption, and unemployment, yet it is the economy that predominates voters’ concerns. “The economy will play an important role because it’s a bread-and-butter issue… anytime you have a very difficult economy, campaigning becomes difficult for the government of the day,” he stated.
Economic unrest, characterized by inflation rates reaching historic highs of 54%, resonates deeply with voters, contributing to widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration. Wisdom Gavor and Janet Bawah, both critical of the ruling party, express a preference for Mahama, citing the urgency for systemic change. Bawah remarked, “The suffering is too much for us … today you go to buy this, the price is different. The next day, different prices. So, we want a change in the system.”
Conversely, some voters credit Vice President Bawumia with technological advancements that enhance governmental operations. One supporter articulated appreciation for the government’s digitalization efforts, describing them as creating job opportunities through modernized systems. Taden corroborated this view, referring to Bawumia as “Mr. Digital,” due to his substantial contributions to digitizing the economy.
Despite facing challenges, Ghana is regarded as a model of democratic stability in a volatile region. As election day approaches, the anticipation builds around a highly competitive electoral atmosphere that could redefine the nation’s political landscape yet again.
The upcoming elections in Ghana are poised to be critically contested, highlighting two main political figures: former President John Mahama and current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. Historically, Ghana’s political narrative has consistently revolved around the NDC and NPP parties, dominating governance since the early 1990s. With a backdrop of economic distress, rising inflation rates, and external pressures like global supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic issues have emerged as pivotal factors influencing voter sentiment. Furthermore, the emergence of independent candidates illustrates a growing appetite for political alternatives among the youth and discontented voters.
The Ghanaian elections of December 7 are shaping up to be a battle primarily between former President Mahama and Vice President Bawumia, with economic recovery at the forefront of their campaigns. While the historical dominance of the NDC and NPP remains a significant factor, new voices and independent candidates are beginning to shake the traditional political landscape, reflecting a significant desire for change among the electorate. Economic stability remains crucial as voters grapple with the ramifications of inflation and debt, likely influencing their electoral choices significantly.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
