A Trump Like Comeback For Mahama: Analysing the Ghana 2024 elections

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 The 2024 Ghanaian presidential election has culminated in a historic victory for former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This triumph, with Mahama securing 56.39% of the vote against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), signifies not just a leadership change but a broader message from the electorate. The election was shaped by economic turmoil, environmental concerns, and voter disillusionment, reflecting critical shifts in Ghana's political and societal dynamics.

Economic Realities as Election Drivers

Ghana’s economic crisis played a central role in determining the election’s outcome. The country grappled with soaring inflation, which reached 54% in 2022, and a subsequent $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to stabilize its finances. These challenges exacerbated unemployment, pushed nearly 850,000 Ghanaians into poverty, and strained public confidence in the NPP government under President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The NDC capitalised on this discontent, framing the election as a referendum on the NPP’s handling of the economy. Mahama’s campaign promised a reset, emphasising job creation, business-friendly policies, and governance reforms. By contrast, Bawumia defended the NPP’s record, claiming it had laid a foundation for economic transformation; a message that failed to resonate widely amid public dissatisfaction.


Environmental and Governance Challenges

Beyond the economy, environmental issues such as illegal gold mining, locally known as "galamsey," emerged as key concerns. Galamsey has caused significant environmental degradation, including pollution of major rivers with harmful chemicals. While both parties acknowledged the need for action, their approaches diverged: the NPP supported regulated small-scale mining, whereas the NDC advocated stricter controls and a halt to new licenses.

Governance also featured prominently, with Mahama pledging to combat corruption through measures like a new office to oversee government procurement above $5 million. These proposals appealed to an electorate weary of unchecked procurement practices and mismanagement.

A Historic and Decisive Win

Mahama’s victory marked a historic moment in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, making him the first leader to reclaim the presidency after being voted out. His win underscored a growing demand for accountability and effective governance, as well as a rejection of the status quo. The election’s relatively low voter turnout of 60.9% highlighted the disillusionment among NPP supporters, many of whom abstained rather than support the opposition.

Bawumia’s swift concession speech, in which he emphasised the importance of preserving Ghana’s democratic stability, further reinforced the nation’s reputation for peaceful transitions of power. This act, alongside the NPP’s acknowledgment of parliamentary losses, demonstrated the maturity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.


Implications for Ghana and Beyond

The 2024 elections not only signal a shift in Ghana’s domestic politics but also reflect broader trends across Africa. The NDC’s victory aligns with a wave of opposition wins on the continent, as voters increasingly prioritise economic performance and governance over traditional party loyalties. This trend has been evident in countries like Botswana, where long-dominant parties have faced significant losses due to economic mismanagement.

For Ghana, the road ahead is both challenging and promising. Mahama’s administration will need to address pressing issues such as debt restructuring, inflation control, and environmental restoration. His promises to modernise infrastructure and implement tax reforms will be closely watched, as will his handling of contentious issues like the anti-LGBTQ bill, which has drawn international scrutiny.

The 2024 Ghanaian elections underscore the resilience of the country’s democratic framework and its citizens’ demand for change in times of crisis. Mahama’s emphatic win, coupled with his commitment to reforms, provides an opportunity to reset Ghana’s trajectory. As the nation looks to the future, the lessons from this election may resonate far beyond its borders, inspiring other democracies to prioritize accountability and governance in responding to the aspirations of their people.

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