As Ghana prepares for its December 7, 2024, elections, the nation—widely regarded as a beacon of democracy in West Africa—faces one of its most challenging electoral cycles yet. A struggling economy, waning public trust in institutions, and growing political polarization have sparked concerns about potential disorder during and after the election.
In this pivotal vote, Ghanaians will elect a new president and 276 members of parliament, marking the country’s ninth general election since transitioning to democracy in January 1993. While 12 presidential candidates have been approved by the Electoral Commission, the race is expected to be a fierce contest between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The elections come amid economic instability caused by Ghana’s first sovereign debt default and a climate of intense political rivalry. Responsibility for economic mismanagement, unemployment, and environmental degradation are central campaign issues. The NPP, led by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, is seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term in office, while the NDC, under former President John Mahama, is determined to return to power and avoid a historic third loss in a row—a result that could severely impact its future as a political force.
The campaigns have been marked by sharp divisions over the role of the Electoral Commission and trust in state institutions, fueling fears that disputes over the election’s outcome could lead to instability. Regional tensions, particularly with Burkina Faso’s military junta, and existing internal conflicts in Ghana, further raise the stakes of this critical election.
Since its transition to democracy, Ghana has conducted elections that have often been closely contested yet marked by peaceful power transfers. This history has bolstered its reputation as a stable democracy in a volatile region. However, the December elections will put the resilience of this democratic legacy to the test as the nation confronts unprecedented economic and political challenges.
