Ghana’s General Elections: A Democratic Test Amid Economic Crisis

On December 7, 2024, Ghana held presidential and legislative elections amid a severe economic crisis, with 18.7 million registered voters. The election featured a two-candidate race between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Dramani Mahama. Opinion polls indicated a tight competition, with many Ghanaians expressing dissatisfaction over the country’s direction. The elections could reshape the nation’s future amidst rising economic and political challenges.

On December 7, 2024, Ghanaians participated in presidential and legislative elections amid the most severe economic crisis the nation has witnessed in decades. Approximately 18.7 million citizens were registered to vote, facing a challenging political landscape where both leading candidates offered little promise for concrete change. The elections, which commenced at 7 a.m. GMT and concluded at 5 p.m. GMT, drew significant attention, given Ghana’s prior status as a symbol of democratic stability in a region currently unstable due to extremist activities and coups.

Historically recognized for its peaceful electoral processes and economic progression, Ghana has encountered severe hardships characterized by skyrocketing inflation and rampant unemployment. Alarmingly, an Afrobarometer poll indicated that 82% of Ghanaians believe the country is on the wrong track. Despite a wide field of 12 candidates, the election has coalesced around a two-candidate contest between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Poll predictions suggest a competitive race, with Mahama possibly reclaiming a leading role with a projected 52.2% of the vote compared to Bawumia’s 41.4%. The NDC presents itself as a social democratic party, while the NPP takes a right-leaning stance. However, analysts contend that there are minimal distinctions between the candidates’ platforms. Alongside the presidential election, voters will also choose representatives for the expanded parliament.

Campaign activities in Accra reflected an energetic atmosphere, featuring posters, street rallies, and performances aimed at galvanizing the electorate. Nevertheless, underlying frustrations regarding the ailing economy remain a crucial concern, particularly due to last year’s default on foreign debts prompting soaring prices for crucial goods. Furthermore, the issue of illegal gold mining remains prominent, exacerbating environmental concerns, highlighting the desperate measures taken by citizens facing economic despair.

Ghana’s elections come against the backdrop of an alarming economic crisis that has escalated over the past few years. Once heralded as a model of democratic governance in West Africa, Ghana is now grappling with unprecedented challenges, including a staggering inflation rate, significant unemployment, and widespread default on foreign debt. This situation has ignited public concern and disenchantment, with many citizens expressing skepticism regarding their leaders’ capacity to effectuate meaningful change. The elections are an important barometer of the country’s democratic health, particularly against a backdrop of rising political instability in the region.

The December 2024 elections represent a critical juncture for Ghana, as citizens express growing discontent regarding the current state of the economy and seek assurances of a better future from their leaders. Voter turnout and the competitive race between Bawumia and Mahama may signal the direction of political and economic policy in Ghana in the coming years. Observers will be particularly attuned to how the new administration addresses the pressing economic crises, illegal mining, and overall governance moving forward.

Original Source: apnews.com