Who is going to be the Next President of Ghana?

As Ghana rapidly heads for the 7th of December general elections, the frictions between the various political parties are on the rise for the position of the highest office of the motherland.

Elections are very relevant in determining the future of every nation, they ensure the smooth running of the country, strengthen a country’s democracy, serve as a self-correcting system, and change and choice of leadership, among other things. Ghanaians are having major expectations surrounding this election, including expectations concerning youth employment, illegal mining (galamsey) eradication, economic recovery, and so many other concerns and expectations. 

Ghana’s politics has been characterized by competitive elections since the restoration of the multiparty system in 1992. The change in seats has been alternating between two dominant parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Both dominant parties have been in power for quite a number of years, and the competition continues to grow tighter every four years. This year the competition can be said to be quite tight as both contesting candidates for the two parties have both been in power and are also two strong candidates. Whether the NPP retains the seat or the NDC comes to power, it shows a reflection of the views of the electorates as well as the redefinition of the country’s administration and policy direction for subsequent years. 

 Meanwhile, there are key issues that are likely to push voter decisions, and these are very crucial for this year’s election. These issues range from concerns like unemployment, illegal mining issues, and electricity challenges, among other things. In view of these challenges, both political parties have put out some much-proposed solutions to help curb and eradicate these concerns.

The flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, and his running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, emphasize that a vote for the NDC is a vote against corruption, poverty, and hunger.

NDC Flagbearer John Dramani Mahama and his running mate Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang

 On the issue of illegal mining, the NDC, notes that when the part is elected into office, it is committed to ensuring that illegal miners comply with the rules of the mining sector. H.E Mahama, in the Resetting Ghana Manifesto, pinpoints on his 24-hour economy policy, stating that

1.  They seek to transfer Ghana into an import substitution and export led economy.
2. The creation of a Women’s development Bank to support Women businesses.
3. The introduction of a National Apprenticeship programme to train the youth in crafts.
4. Three billion dollars of investment in collaboration with the private sector for the creation of digital jobs through four major programmes.
5. The feed Ghana’s program will also be launched to ensure food security and supply raw materials to industries. 

This along with many other proposed agendas when elected into power.

On the other hand, the flagbearer for the NPP, Dr. Bawumia, has also, on countless forums, made his proposed projects and agendas known, some including

Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana and the flagbearer for the NPP

1. The promise of enhancing the role of chiefs when elected into power, in his manifesto of possibilities with bold solutions. By emphasizing a bold vision, remodel Ghana’s economy.
2. He believes this can be achieved through creating jobs for the youth and sustainable businesses that can be durable in the global economy.
3. He is also concerned about the effects of illegal mining on the country; he emphasizes the need to re-enforce the mining regulations to cleanse the sector. He aims to ensure this goal by funding the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to conduct surveys in legal and identified mining zones in the country, this in turn would help small-scale miners to have sufficient and relevant information about the areas with available gold deposits to mine, and this would help in the sustaining of the environment for the benefit of the current and future generations.
4. He made emphasis on the reduction of electricity by 50% when brought into office. This will be achieved through the manufacture and exports of solar panel for the generation of electricity to help reduce the price of electricity in the country. 

Current public opinions, point at the economy as a central focus for the 2024 elections. In view of this, both parties are finding and proposing various solutions to curbing this and many other issues. Both parities are proposing handling and improving economic issues and improving the social welfare of the country. Tracing Ghana’s record of peaceful, fair and transparent elections , it is likely that the 2024 elections will follow the same track. Yet one thing that makes this year’s election competitive is the number of strong, intellectual and charismatic leaders, and it makes it difficult to point out the possible next President, but it is without a doubt that the outcome will shape the country’s future in all aspects.

Power has been alternating between these two parties over the years; does history repeat itself or a new political power will take the seat of government? Share your thoughts.