Ghana’s December Elections: A Competitive Race Amid Economic Challenges

Ghana’s December 7 elections feature a competitive race between former President John Mahama and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, with economic recovery and a shift in party loyalty being key concerns. Voter sentiments reflect a mix of fatigue with traditional parties and interest in independent candidates, emphasizing the importance of economic issues as pivotal electoral determinants.

The upcoming presidential election in Ghana is set for December 7, where former president John Mahama is vying against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party. Mahama is advocating for a 24-hour business framework to stimulate job creation and fortify the economy, which is in recovery from a significant $30 billion debt default in 2022. Conversely, Bawumia asserts his dedication to economic resilience amid challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and internal pressures.

Historically, Ghana’s political landscape has been dominated by the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party since 1992. University of Ghana senior lecturer Kwame Asah Asante highlights that the likelihood of a minor party emerging as a serious contender is minimal, stating, “From 1992 up to 2020, the minor parties, if you put all their performance together, on average … they have not gone up to 5%.” In the bustling streets of Accra, excitement is palpable among voters, some of whom express a desire for a fresh political approach, indicating fatigue with the longstanding duopoly.

Amidst the traditional party competition, there is notable interest in independent candidate Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar. His youthful appeal and manifesto focusing on eco-friendly policies resonate with many, albeit his impact on the election outcome remains uncertain.

The key issues influencing voters include infrastructure development, health, education, corruption, and notably, economic conditions. Ghana, known as the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, faced economic challenges exacerbated by a $30 billion external debt default, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic’s fallout and grain supply disruptions due to the conflict in Ukraine. Taden, an international political economist, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of economic health in electoral campaigns, saying, “… anytime you have a very difficult economy, campaigning becomes difficult for the government of the day.”

The rise in inflation, peaking at historic levels, alongside ongoing illegal mining crises threatens both environmental integrity and agricultural productivity, particularly in cocoa production. Consequently, some voters, like Wisdom Gavor and Janet Bawah, express support for Mahama’s proposals, hoping for substantial economic reform. Others, however, remain loyal to Bawumia, appreciating his digitization policies aimed at facilitating job creation through online platforms.

Despite mixed sentiments, Ghana is anticipated to maintain its status as a stable democracy amid regional instability. With polls indicating possible variances in voter preference, this election season is characterized by competitiveness, underscoring the critical issues at stake for the nation’s future.

Ghana’s political history since its return to democracy in 1992 has been characterized by a dominant two-party system, primarily governed by the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party. The upcoming election is shaped by significant economic challenges, including a substantial national debt crisis and external pressures from global events. The electorate’s demand for change, paired with the rise of independent candidates, presents a unique dynamic that could alter the political landscape in this election.

The upcoming Ghanaian election is set to be a fiercely competitive event, shaped by economic challenges and voter desires for change. With John Mahama advocating for a radical economic overhaul and Mahamudu Bawumia focusing on continuity and innovation, voters are confronted with critical choices. The presence of independent candidates adds another layer of complexity, giving voice to those seeking alternatives to the traditional two-party framework. Ultimately, the result will hinge on how well candidates address pressing economic and social issues that resonate with the electorate.

Original Source: www.voanews.com