Ghana is heading into its general election on December 7 amid widespread public discontent over the nation’s economic hardships, with high prices and job scarcity at the forefront of voter concerns. The elections are poised to test the country’s democratic resilience.
Support for President Nana Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sharply declined in his second term, primarily due to Ghana’s worst economic crisis in decades. The country is grappling with protests over the rising cost of living and significant challenges in its cocoa and gold sectors.
Polls indicate a strong lead for opposition leader John Dramani Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC), as Ghanaians demand change. However, voter enthusiasm is waning, and many express doubts about the election’s ability to bring meaningful progress.
“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 voting for the first time.
An October survey by Afrobarometer revealed that 82% of Ghanaians believe the country is on the wrong path, with fewer than half optimistic about improvements in the coming year.
“We have the trappings of democracy: we hold elections every four years, yet the benefits are scarce,” noted Abena Tekyiwaa Manuh, a senior fellow at the Centre for Democratic Governance (CDD) in Accra. “This is a worrying sign.”
Ghana’s adherence to two-term presidential limits and peaceful power transitions has made it an exception in a region plagued by coups and political instability. Yet, the incoming leader will face immense pressure to deliver on promises of economic recovery, or risk deepening disillusionment among the country’s youth.
“We see a lot of anger and hopelessness, but also a desire for change,” said one anonymous Western diplomat. “If this election doesn’t result in change, what comes next?”
The current climate has led to concerns over the stability of Ghana’s democracy. “There is growing fear that Ghana’s peace and democracy could be at risk,” another diplomat added.
Election Outlook
Twelve candidates are competing for the presidency, with Mahama and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s candidate, as the leading contenders. Both have pledged to tackle Ghana’s economic instability, which has seen inflation soar over 50%, a $3 billion IMF bailout, and a massive debt restructuring effort since 2020.
Voting will begin at 0700 GMT and conclude at 1700 GMT, with results for legislative seats expected by Monday morning and presidential results by Tuesday. However, trends often allow for early predictions.
The post-election period is expected to be fraught with tension, as there is low trust in the electoral commission’s ability to deliver a fair result. Mahama and the NDC have raised concerns about voter roll discrepancies, while the NPP accuses Mahama of preparing to contest the results if he loses.
Jonas Claes, the EU delegation’s election lead in Ghana, cautioned, “The results phase could be tricky, and while widespread violence is not expected, we cannot be entirely certain.”