Ghana’s economic woes and youth discontent dominate election run-up

Ghanaians head to the polls on Saturday in a highly anticipated general election that has been overshadowed by economic challenges and growing frustration among the population. The outcome will not only decide the next president but also test the resilience of Ghana’s democratic framework, a beacon in a region often plagued by instability.

Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) have faced sharp declines in popularity during his second term. The West African nation is grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, marked by soaring inflation, unemployment, and discontent in key industries like cocoa and gold.

These challenges have provided momentum to opposition leader John Dramani Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC). Polls indicate Mahama has an edge, though public trust in the political process remains shaky.

“The country is ruined. I will vote, but I don’t think it will change anything,” said Emmanuel Kwaku Jr, an 18-year-old first-time voter.

An October Afrobarometer survey revealed that 82% of Ghanaians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with less than half expecting improvement in the near future.

“We conduct elections every four years, but the dividends of democracy remain low,” said Abena Tekyiwaa Manuh, a senior fellow at the Centre for Democratic Governance in Accra. “That’s dangerous.”

Ghana’s adherence to democratic principles, including two-term presidential limits and peaceful power transitions, has distinguished it in a region experiencing coups and constitutional manipulations. However, analysts warn that whoever wins will face mounting pressure to fulfill campaign promises or risk eroding public confidence in democracy.

“There’s anger among the youth, a sense of hopelessness but also a desire for change,” a Western diplomat observed anonymously. “If the elections don’t deliver that change, what happens next? Ghana’s peace and democracy could be at risk.”

The presidential contest features 12 candidates, but the primary battle is between John Mahama and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, representing the ruling NPP. Both have pledged to address the economic instability that has gripped the nation since 2020, including inflation above 50%, an IMF-led $3 billion bailout, and debt restructuring.

Polls will open for 18.7 million registered voters at 7:00 a.m. GMT and close at 5:00 p.m. Legislative results are expected by Monday, with presidential results likely by Tuesday, though early trends often indicate the outcome before official announcements.

Observers are cautiously optimistic about a peaceful election, but concerns remain. Allegations of voter roll irregularities and doubts about the electoral commission’s credibility have intensified tensions. Mahama and the NDC have expressed skepticism about the commission’s ability to conduct fair elections, while the NPP has accused the opposition of laying the groundwork to dispute unfavorable results.

Jonas Claes, the EU delegation’s elections lead in Ghana, warned that the post-vote period could be delicate. “Low trust in institutions could spark tensions, though widespread violence is unlikely,” he said.

As the nation approaches this critical juncture, all eyes will be on how Ghana navigates the challenges of political discontent, economic hardship, and maintaining its democratic integrity.