Ghana is gearing up for a pivotal moment as over 18.7 million registered voters prepare to choose their next president in the 2024 election.
With President Nana Akufo-Addo nearing the end of his tenure, this election has drawn national and international attention. Among the 12 candidates, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Mahama are considered the frontrunners in what analysts describe as a high-stakes race.
Here are 10 essential points about the election:
1. Election Day is December 7, 2024
Ghanaians will vote on Saturday, December 7, marking the conclusion of Nana Akufo-Addo’s presidency in January. The election spans 16 regions and 276 constituencies, with a clear constitutional requirement: a candidate must secure over 50% of valid votes to win outright, or a runoff will occur within 21 days.
2. Twelve Candidates in the Race
The presidential race features 12 candidates, including four independents and one female candidate. Political analysts, however, see the contest as primarily between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
3. A Familiar Rivalry
Bawumia and Mahama, two seasoned politicians, are the leading contenders. Bawumia, the first Muslim and non-Akan leader of a major party since the Fourth Republic’s establishment in 1992, faces Mahama, who previously served as president and has contested multiple elections.
4. Historic First: Two Northern Candidates
Both major parties are fielding candidates from northern Ghana for the first time. Bawumia hails from the North East Region, while Mahama is from the Savannah Region. Historically, northern Ghana has favoured the NDC, but Bawumia’s candidacy could shift this dynamic.
5. Dark Horses Could Sway the Results
Independent candidates like Nana Bediako (Cheddar) and former NPP member Alan Kyerematen are drawing attention. Bediako has focused on mobilizing youth, reminiscent of Nigeria’s Peter Obi, while Kyerematen has gained some support from NPP members dissatisfied with the party’s direction.
6. Youth as a Deciding Force
With over 10.3 million voters aged 18–35, young people constitute most of the electorate. First-time voters, exceeding 708,000, are expected to play a critical role in determining the outcome.
7. Economic Issues Dominate Campaigns
The economy has taken centre stage in the campaigns. Mahama has criticised the NPP’s management, citing debt restructuring, currency depreciation, and borrowing. The NPP has countered by highlighting achievements like free secondary education and digital reforms, questioning whether exchange rates alone define economic success.
8. LGBTQ+ Rights Spark Debate
The LGBTQ+ issue has emerged as a divisive topic, with candidates addressing it to appeal to voters. While economic concerns dominate, cultural and social issues have also shaped campaign narratives.
9. The Eight-Year Rule Faces a Challenge
In Ghana’s Fourth Republic, no party has won three consecutive elections. The NPP seeks to break this cycle, while the NDC hopes to return to power after eight years in opposition.
10. Regional Battlegrounds Will Be Crucial
Key regions such as Greater Accra (3.7 million voters), Ashanti (an NPP stronghold with 3.2 million voters), and Volta (an NDC base) will significantly influence the election. Swing regions like Greater Accra could tip the scales depending on voter turnout and sentiment.
As the election draws closer, voter concerns about governance, development, and economic stability will play a critical role in shaping Ghana’s next chapter.
