Africa’s Politics at Lens: Reflections on the 2024 Ghana’s Elections

The 2024 Ghanaian elections are a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey. On December 7, over 12 million Ghanaians exercised their right to vote, electing their next president and 276 parliamentarians. The election was an indicator of Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles, with the Electoral Commission (EC) announcing the results of the presidential election less than 48 hours after the polls closed.

The above served as one of the key aspects of the elections as the swift announcement of the commission appears to be a commitment to transparency and efficiency. However, a closer analysis of the results reveals a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The opposition National Democratic Party’s (NDP) decisive victory, securing over two-thirds of the parliamentary seats, indicates a substantial loss of faith in the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

The election outcome was a resounding victory for opposition candidate and former president John Mahama, who secured approximately 6.3 million votes. Incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) garnered around 4.5 million votes. Notably, Bawumia conceded defeat before the EC began announcing the results, demonstrating a commitment to democratic norms. The NPP’s defeat was comprehensive, with the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) winning over two-thirds of the parliamentary seats.

The elections were widely praised for their transparency, credibility, and peacefulness. International election observation missions, including those from the European Union, African Union, and Yiaga Africa, commended the electoral process and encouraged other African countries to follow Ghana’s example. This emphasizes Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in West Africa.

The election results also highlighted the significance of economic issues in Ghanaian politics. The NPP’s defeat can be attributed, in part, to the country’s economic woes, including high inflation and unemployment. The opposition NDP capitalized on these concerns, promising to restore economic stability and growth. The outcome serves as a reminder that economic management is a critical aspect of democratic governance; the peaceful transfer of power and the concession of defeat by the incumbent vice president showed the maturity of Ghana’s democracy.

However, it is pertinent to analyse the elections, while exploring the dominant themes, parties, and implications for Ghana’s democracy from the angle of African politics at the lens.

Country’s Economy as a Dominant Theme

 The state of Ghana’s economy was a recurring theme throughout the election campaign. The country’s first-ever sovereign debt default in 2022 triggered a harsh economic environment, characterized by high inflation, a depreciated currency, and widespread unemployment. This had a direct impact on the lives of Ghanaians, making economic management a top priority for voters.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) capitalized on the economic woes, blaming the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for mismanaging the economy. The NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, promised to restore economic stability and growth if elected. On the other hand, the NPP attributed the economic downturn to external factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The economic debate was intense, with both parties presenting competing visions for Ghana’s economic future. While the NPP emphasized its fulfilment of campaign promises, including the implementation of universal free senior high school education, the NDC focused on its plans to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

The above analysis is a proof of how the economy played a significant role in shaping the election outcome. Ghanaians voted with their pockets, and the party that presented the most compelling economic vision won their trust. The NPP’s emphasis on its economic achievements, including the construction of roads and bridges, resonated with voters in rural areas.

However, the NDC’s message on the economy also gained traction, particularly among urban voters who were disillusioned with the NPP’s economic management. The NDC’s promise to create jobs and stimulate economic growth appealed to young voters who were struggling to find employment. In the end, the economy was a double-edged sword for both parties. While it provided a platform for them to showcase their policies and achievements, it also exposed their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

The Parties and Their Strategies

The National Democratic Congress NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are Ghana’s two leading political parties. Since 1992, they have alternated power every eight years, with the NPP securing presidential victories in 2016 and 2020. Each party had its strengths and weaknesses, and their strategies reflected their unique circumstances.

The parties invested heavily in campaign infrastructure, including billboards, posters, and social media advertising. The NPP had employed a robust get-out-the-vote strategy, mobilizing its supporters to vote on election day. The party’s campaign messages emphasized its achievements in office, including the implementation of universal free senior high school education and the construction of roads and bridges.

The NDC, on the other hand, sought to maximize its vote share in its traditional strongholds, while appealing to urban voters disillusioned with the NPP’s economic management. The party’s campaign messages emphasized its commitment to social justice, equality, and economic empowerment.

The NDC also invested heavily in social media advertising, using platforms like Facebook and Twitter to reach young voters. The party’s get-out-the-vote strategy focused on mobilizing its supporters in urban areas, where it had a strong presence.

Both parties employed various tactics to woo voters, including campaign rallies, door-to-door canvassing, and town hall meetings. The intensity of the campaign was palpable, with both parties leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory.

The Election Integrity and Peace

Concerns about election integrity and peace were palpable throughout the campaign. Before the elections, the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) faced criticism for its handling of the voter registration process, with some accusing it of bias. The NDC’s announcement that it would boycott the courts if it lost the election, citing suspected partisan bias, added to the tensions.

Then, John Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer, charged the Electoral Commission (EC) that many registered voters could not find their names, while others had had their names transferred without their knowledge. “The EC must wake up; they are not doing their job properly,” Mahama said then. Despite these concerns, the EC and other stakeholders worked tirelessly to ensure a peaceful and credible election. The Ghana Police Service deployed personnel to polling stations, and the military was put on standby to prevent any potential violence. Press statements and media reports revealed that the elections were fairly conducted.

In the end, the elections were largely peaceful, with only isolated incidents of violence reported. The EC’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability, at least, helped to build trust in the electoral process. However, the elections also highlighted the need for electoral reforms, including the strengthening of institutions and the promotion of transparency and accountability.

Implications for Ghana’s Democracy and Africa’s Political Lens

Ghana’s 2024 elections have sent a powerful message to Africa and the world: that democracy is thriving on the continent. The peaceful transfer of power, a hallmark of Ghana’s democracy, has reinforced the country’s reputation as a beacon of stability in West Africa. This is no small feat, especially considering the tumultuous political landscape that has characterized many African nations in recent years. Though Ghana celebrates its democratic milestone, it is still clear that there is still work to be done. The Electoral Commission’s handling of the voter registration process and the court’s role in resolving electoral disputes were areas of concern. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to consolidating Ghana’s democratic gains and ensuring that the country remains a model for others to follow.

One of the most significant takeaways from the elections was the importance of issue-based campaigning and policy debates. The focus on policy and performance by the parties is a welcome development in African politics, where personality-driven campaigns often dominate. This recent demonstration of Ghana’s democratic success has implications that extend far beyond its borders. As a stable democracy in a region that most times faces instability and authoritarianism, Ghana has played a critical role in promoting democratic values and best practices across Africa.

With its strong democratic foundations and a population determined to build a better future, it can be concluded that Ghana is now seen to be well-positioned to continue leading the way in Africa’s journey towards transparent democracy. Viewing Africa from a political lens due to undemocratic stereotypes, it is important to reiterate that Ghana’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in its recent elections, serves as a powerful example for other nations seeking to consolidate their democratic gains.