Ghana Elections: Mahama’s Vision for a 24-Hour Economy vs Bawumia’s Digital Economy Strategy

Ghana’s presidential elections feature Mahama advocating for a “24-hour economy” and Bawumia promoting a “digital economy,” both addressing the country’s significant economic challenges, including high unemployment and inflation. The electorate, particularly youth, expresses disillusionment, with many considering emigration. Voter turnout is anticipated to be high, despite the backdrop of economic hardship.

The 2023 presidential elections in Ghana are primarily contested between former President John Mahama and current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, each presenting contrasting economic strategies. John Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), aims to create a “24-hour economy” through increased job opportunities, while Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) emphasizes developing a “digital economy” to address unemployment. Both candidates are responding to Ghana’s severe economic challenges, which include high inflation, a depreciating currency, and widespread unemployment, leading to voter disillusionment among the populace. Young Ghanaians depict a sense of hopelessness regarding their future in a country where economic prospects are dwindling, prompting many to consider emigration. Despite differing visions, both candidates seek to capture the electorate’s confidence in a nation yearning for stability and viable economic recovery.

The backdrop of Ghana’s current electoral landscape is marked by a significant economic downturn that began in 2022, when the government defaulted on its debt obligations and credit ratings slipped to junk status. As a result, inflation soared to 54%, and the local currency, the cedi, lost considerable value, devastating the living standards of the citizens. The economic turmoil is a critical theme in the forthcoming elections, with candidates Bawumia and Mahama presenting their proposals amid public skepticism shaped by the country’s deteriorating economic conditions.

The upcoming elections in Ghana reflect a critical juncture for the nation as it grapples with ailing economic health. Candidates Mahama and Bawumia propose distinct approaches to revitalize the economy amidst widespread discontent and calls for better opportunities, particularly among the youth. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the electoral outcome will hinge on their confidence in the candidates’ ability to navigate Ghana’s economic challenges while ensuring a stable transition of power and democratic integrity.

Original Source: www.bbc.com