Ghana heads to the polls on Saturday, December 7, 2024, amid widespread public frustration over economic hardships, soaring inflation, and dwindling job opportunities.
The election will test the resilience of Ghana’s democratic reputation in a region marked by instability.
Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) face plummeting popularity after presiding over Ghana’s worst economic crisis in a generation. The turmoil has fuelled discontent in vital sectors like cocoa and gold, alongside cost-of-living protests that have dominated the political narrative.
Opposition leader John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has emerged as the frontrunner, with polls suggesting his promises of economic stability resonate with a population weary of hardship.
“The country is ruined. I will vote, but I don’t think it will change anything,” lamented Emmanuel Kwaku Jr., an 18-year-old first-time voter, reflecting growing scepticism among Ghana’s youth.
An October survey by Afrobarometer revealed that 82% of Ghanaians believe the nation is on the wrong track, with less than half expecting improvement in the near future.
While Ghana has earned praise for peaceful power transitions and adherence to presidential term limits, analysts warn of rising disillusionment.
“We have the trappings of democracy, but the dividends are low. That’s dangerous,” said Abena Tekyiwaa Manuh of the Centre for Democratic Governance (CDD).
With 18.7 million registered voters, the stakes are high. Mahama and NPP candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia are seen as the main contenders among 12 presidential candidates. Both have pledged to tackle economic instability, marked by inflation surpassing 50%, a $3 billion IMF bailout, and debt restructuring.
Polling stations open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM GMT, with legislative results expected by early Monday and presidential results by Tuesday. However, tensions may rise during the counting process due to low public trust in institutions like the Electoral Commission.
Mahama has cast doubt on the commission’s credibility, citing alleged voter roll irregularities, while the NPP accuses the opposition of setting the stage to reject unfavourable results.
“We don’t expect widespread violence, but uncertainty lingers,” noted Jonas Claes of the EU delegation in Ghana.
For Ghana’s largely youthful electorate, this election represents a moment of reckoning. “If change doesn’t come, what happens next?” asked a Western diplomat, underscoring concerns about peace and democracy.
As Ghana navigates this pivotal election, the outcome will not only determine the next leader but also gauge whether democracy can deliver the prosperity its people demand.
Source: Reuters