Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, has emerged as the standout candidate among Ghana’s smaller political parties in the 2024 general elections.
Representing The New Force movement, Cheddar garnered an impressive 84,478 votes, accounting for 0.75% of the total valid votes cast.
The Electoral Commission announced the results on December 9, 2024. In an election dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Cheddar’s performance marks a significant achievement for smaller political parties, showcasing their growing relevance in Ghana’s political sphere.
Performance of Smaller Party Candidates:
- Cheddar (The New Force): 84,478 votes (0.75%)
- Nana Akosua Frimpomaa (CPP): 23,397 votes (0.21%)
- Hassan Ayariga (APC): 17,461 votes (0.16%)
- Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr (GCPP): 16,673 votes (0.15%)
- Christian Andrews (GUM): 16,461 votes (0.15%)
- Alan Kyerematen (Independent): 31,202 votes (0.28%)
- Kofi Akpaloo (LPG): 5,219 votes (0.09%)
- Mohammed Frimpong (PNC): 4,413 votes (0.04%)
- Kofi Koranteng (Independent): 3,320 votes (0.03%)
- George Twum Barimah-Adu (UPP): 3,091 votes (0.02%)
Presidential Results:
- John Dramani Mahama (NDC): 6,328,397 votes (56.55%)—President-elect
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP): 4,657,304 votes (41.61%)
Cheddar’s campaign emphasised economic empowerment, technological innovation, and youth development, resonating particularly with younger voters and urban constituencies.
His movement, The New Force, sought to challenge the dominance of the two major parties, presenting itself as a fresh, progressive alternative in Ghana’s political landscape.
Cheddar’s achievement as the top-performing smaller party candidate has sparked discussions about the viability of third-party politics in Ghana.
His vote tally surpassed many expectations, highlighting a shift in voter preferences among a segment of the population dissatisfied with the NDC-NPP duopoly.
Political analysts have noted that Cheddar’s strong branding, strategic messaging, and focus on innovation played a crucial role in attracting voters. His campaign’s use of modern technology and youth engagement positioned him as a forward-thinking candidate.
Smaller party candidates collectively amassed thousands of votes, signalling the continued presence of alternative political voices in Ghana.
However, their combined share of the vote remains significantly below that of the NDC and NPP, underscoring the challenges third-party candidates face in breaking through the entrenched two-party system.
As Ghana prepares for another NDC-led administration, Cheddar’s performance serves as a reminder of the growing appetite for political diversity and the potential for smaller parties to shape future elections.