Ghana’s youth drive election momentum amid economic turmoil

Ghana, one of West Africa’s economic giants, finds itself at a critical crossroads as citizens head to the polls. High debt, a struggling local currency, and soaring inflation — which hit 23% in November — have fueled public dissatisfaction, particularly among the youth.

Ghana’s youthful population, with 38% aged between 15 and 35 years, is emerging as a decisive force in this election. Many young voters, disillusioned by unemployment, inflation, and the cedi’s devaluation, are voting for the first time.

“We need someone who can tackle the fundamentals of our economy,” said David Tapi, a university student. “Unemployment and inflation are my priorities, and that’s why I’m voting on Saturday.”

Anti, a trader in Accra, echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration with the current government. “I want to vote to kick out the current government because they have not been kind to young people.”

With 18.7 million registered voters, political parties are aggressively targeting the youth, aware of their influence.

“The demographics of Ghana, like most African countries, show a youthful population, yet most are unemployed,” said Professor Lord Mawuko-Yevugah of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. “The two main political parties recognize this and are vying for the youth vote.”

The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia faces off against former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both candidates, in their final campaign rallies, emphasized their economic visions for Ghana.

Bawumia, 61, a former deputy governor of the central bank, promised to build on the current administration’s policies to stabilize the economy. “I know what I want to do from day one in the presidency,” he told supporters in Accra.

Mahama, 65, countered with a call for comprehensive reforms. “We need to reset our democracy, governance, economy, and all that we hold dear as a people,” he said.

Beyond the economy, illegal gold mining, known locally as galamsey, remains a pressing issue. As Ghana’s top gold producer, the country has seen a rise in unregulated mining, which pollutes rivers and devastates the environment. This issue has spurred recent protests, reflecting broader frustrations with governance.

While 12 candidates are vying for the presidency, the election is expected to be a contest between Bawumia and Mahama, echoing Ghana’s historical two-party dominance.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, elected in 2016 amid dissatisfaction with Mahama’s administration, steps down after two terms. Mahama, now seeking a comeback, aims to reclaim leadership amid heightened expectations for economic solutions.

Regardless of who emerges victorious, the next president faces an uphill battle to address Ghana’s economic challenges and restore confidence among its citizens, particularly the youth, who are demanding transformative change.