Ghana approaches its general election this Saturday amid growing public frustration over economic hardships, high inflation, and job scarcity. These challenges have fueled discontent with the current administration, raising questions about the resilience of the country’s democratic framework.
Support for outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) has significantly waned during his second term. The West African nation is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in decades, marked by soaring costs of living, protests, and disruptions in its critical cocoa and gold industries. These conditions have created an environment ripe for political change.
The opposition leader, John Dramani Mahama, and his National Democratic Congress (NDC) appear to be gaining momentum. Polls indicate the electorate’s frustration with the current administration has tipped the scales in Mahama’s favor. However, voter trust in the political process remains fragile, reflecting a broader sense of disillusionment.
“The country is ruined. I will vote, but I don’t think it will change anything,” said Emmanuel Kwaku Jr, an 18-year-old high school graduate who will cast his vote for the first time. His sentiment echoes widespread skepticism among citizens, especially the youth, about the ability of elections to bring tangible improvements to their lives.
An October survey by Afrobarometer, a pan-African research group, revealed that 82% of Ghanaians believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. Additionally, less than half of respondents expressed optimism about positive changes within the next year.
“We have the trappings of democracy: we do the elections every four years, yet the dividends are low,” remarked Abena Tekyiwaa Manuh, a senior fellow at the Accra-based Centre for Democratic Governance (CDD). “That’s dangerous.”
Despite these concerns, Ghana has maintained its commitment to democratic principles, including term limits for presidents and peaceful transitions of power. This record sets it apart in a region frequently disrupted by coups and constitutional crises.
However, the upcoming election is a critical moment. The winning candidate will face immense pressure to fulfill campaign promises and improve citizens’ livelihoods. Failure to meet these expectations could lead the youthful population to question the effectiveness of democracy itself.
“We see a lot of anger among the youth, a sense of hopelessness, but also a sense of change. If that doesn’t happen at the elections, what will happen?” one Western diplomat remarked anonymously. “There is growing concern Ghana’s peace and democracy are fragile.”
Twelve candidates are contesting the presidency, but the race is primarily between Mahama and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP. Both candidates have pledged to address the economic instability that has plagued the country since 2020. Key issues include inflation surpassing 50%, a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout, and a large-scale restructuring of Ghana’s debt.
Polls will open at 7:00 AM GMT for the 18.7 million registered voters and close at 5:00 PM. Legislative results are expected by early Monday, while presidential results should be announced by Tuesday. Despite this timeline, early trends often provide a clear indication of the outcome.
Jonas Claes, the elections lead for the EU delegation in Ghana, highlighted the potential challenges during the post-vote period. “The vote results period is going to be a tricky phase,” Claes warned. He pointed to low trust in institutions, including the Electoral Commission, as a factor that could heighten tensions.
Mahama and the NDC have consistently raised concerns about the commission’s ability to deliver credible elections, citing alleged voter roll irregularities and other procedural issues. These accusations have been dismissed by Bawumia and the NPP, who argue that Mahama is laying the groundwork to contest the results if they do not favor him.
“I don’t think widespread violence is to be expected, but it’s difficult to be 100% sure,” Claes noted, reflecting cautious optimism about the election’s peaceful conduct.
The stakes are high in this election, not only for the candidates but for Ghana’s democratic image. The outcome will likely shape the country’s political and economic trajectory for years to come. As citizens prepare to cast their votes, the focus remains on whether the next government can deliver the change many Ghanaians desperately seek.
This election is more than a contest for political power—it is a test of Ghana’s ability to navigate a difficult phase in its history while preserving its democratic values. The global community watches closely, hopeful that the nation will once again demonstrate its commitment to peace and democracy.
This pivotal moment underscores the critical role of effective leadership in addressing the pressing challenges facing Ghana today. With the youth demanding change and the electorate expressing dissatisfaction, the new administration will need to act decisively to restore confidence in governance and the democratic process.
As the polls open, the sentiment across the country is clear: Ghanaians are eager for solutions to the economic and social issues that have defined recent years. Whether this election will mark a turning point remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the people of Ghana will hold their leaders accountable for the promises they make.
This general election represents a defining moment for the nation. It is an opportunity to reaffirm Ghana’s status as a beacon of democracy in Africa, even as it contends with significant internal challenges. Voter turnout, the conduct of the electoral process, and the subsequent actions of the next government will all contribute to shaping the future of this resilient West African nation.
The commitment of citizens to participate in this democratic exercise despite their frustrations reflects the enduring belief in the power of the ballot. As Saturday approaches, Ghanaians are poised to make their voices heard, signaling their hopes and demands for a better future.
