By Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a dramatic return to power, Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama has staged an unprecedented political comeback, decisively winning the 2024 presidential election. This victory makes Mahama the first leader in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to reclaim the presidency after being voted out in 2017. His win reflects a nation’s call for change amidst economic and social challenges, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic journey.
The elections, held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, saw Mahama secure 56.3% of the vote, compared to 41.3% for his main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. The defeat ends two terms of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose tenure was marred by high inflation, a debt default, and a $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.
“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect it with all humility,” Bawumia acknowledged in a news conference, conceding defeat and congratulating Mahama on his “emphatic victory.”
Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) also achieved a majority in the parliamentary elections, cementing their mandate to lead Ghana during this crucial period.
Why This Election Was Historic
Mahama’s victory is groundbreaking not only for his personal political journey but also for Ghana’s democratic history. His return marks the first time a former president has been re-elected after losing a prior bid. He won the 2012 presidential elections, ruled for one term and was voted out in the 2017 elections. This feat highlights the maturity of Ghana’s democracy, where political comebacks and peaceful transitions underscore the electorate’s power.
Supporters thronged the NDC headquarters in Accra to celebrate, symboliSing the hope and expectations of a populace yearning for change. “It is very clear the people of this country have voted for change,” said Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC spokesman, capturing the nation’s sentiment.
Mahama’s Campaign Promises
Mahama’s campaign centred on “resetting” the country’s trajectory. He promised bold reforms targeting economic recovery, corruption, and governance. Among his pledges were: addressing the debt crisis and stabiliSing the Ghanaian Cedi; establishing a procurement oversight office to scrutiniSe government projects exceeding $5 million, and tailoring policies to empower young Ghanaians who form a significant portion of the electorate.
However, Mahama’s stance on contentious issues like LGBTQ rights, where he supported an anti-LGBTQ bill, attracted both domestic approval and international criticism.
Observers believe Mahama’s leadership will strengthen Ghana’s position as a beacon of democratic stability in West Africa.
Key Drivers of Mahama’s Victory
Ghana’s economic woes were central to the election. High inflation, unemployment, and public dissatisfaction with the NPP’s economic policies created fertile ground for Mahama’s message of change.
With a youthful population eager for opportunities, Mahama’s campaign focused on job creation and entrepreneurship, making him particularly appealing to first-time voters. His bold 24-hour Economy Strategy holds much promise for economic rejuvenation though the jury is still out on its exact workability.
Mahama’s pledge to establish a new office to scrutinise government procurement processes above a $5 million threshold has been seen as a bold step toward addressing corruption, a perennial issue in Ghanaian governance.
Women and Gender Dynamics in the Election
Women played a multifaceted role in Ghana’s 2024 elections, both as voters and participants in the political process. The turnout of women voters was high, reflecting a growing political engagement among Ghanaian women. Female candidates contested for parliamentary seats in record numbers, signalling progress toward gender inclusivity in politics.
Women’s groups lobbied for gender-sensitive policies, including greater access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Mahama’s campaign included pledges to increase women’s representation in leadership and address gender-based violence. The icing on the cake appears to be the election of Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the country’s first female vice president.
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in political leadership, with cultural and systemic barriers limiting their full participation. Unlike Sierra Leone, the lack of a comprehensive quota system continues to hinder gender parity in the Ghanaian governance.
Regional Voting Patterns and Analysis
The election highlighted significant regional dynamics that played a decisive role in Mahama’s victory. The Volta and Northern Regions reaffirmed their loyalty to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), delivering overwhelming support for Mahama. His promises to improve infrastructure and address developmental disparities resonated deeply in these regions.
Central and Western Regions, traditionally seen as battlegrounds, shifted in favour of the NDC. Analysts attribute this to dissatisfaction with the NPP’s economic policies, which disproportionately affected fishing and mining communities. While urban centres like Accra and Kumasi displayed mixed support, rural areas, hard hit by inflation and unemployment, leaned heavily toward Mahama’s call for change.
Cultural Significance of the Election
Ghana’s elections are more than political contests; they reflect the nation’s cultural vibrancy. Campaign songs and local art captured the electoral spirit, uniting communities across party lines. Mahama’s campaign anthem became a symbol of hope for many. Chiefs and community leaders played a critical role in promoting peace and encouraging voter turnout, particularly in rural areas.
Technology and Innovation in the Election Process
The 2024 Ghanaian elections demonstrated significant progress in leveraging technology to enhance electoral transparency, efficiency, and participation. The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) incorporated digital tools in voter registration, results transmission, and monitoring, setting a standard for electoral innovation in Africa.
The use of biometric technology ensured a more accurate voter register, reducing instances of duplicate registrations and impersonation. Rural registration centres benefited from mobile biometric kits, increasing accessibility for marginalised communities.
The Electoral Commission used an advanced system of electronic transmission of results. For the first time, results were electronically transmitted from polling stations to a central server, significantly reducing delays and opportunities for tampering.
This innovation bolstered public confidence in the process and limited disputes over the credibility of the results. On social media and digital monitoring, the EC utilized social media platforms to communicate updates, educate voters, and counter misinformation. Civil society groups and tech-savvy volunteers deployed election monitoring apps to report irregularities in real time, promoting transparency.
Despite these advancements, there were challenges, including isolated reports of system malfunctions and cybersecurity concerns. Moving forward, Ghana can invest in further training for officials and improving the resilience of electoral technology.
The Role of Civil Society and Media Observers
Civil society organizations (CSOs) and media observers were integral to the credibility of Ghana’s elections, ensuring accountability and mitigating potential conflicts. Organizations such as the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) deployed thousands of observers nationwide, providing impartial assessments of the process. Their reports highlighted areas of improvement while affirming the overall fairness of the election.
CSOs played a critical role in educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities, promoting peaceful participation. Initiatives such as “Vote Not Fight” campaigns targeted youth, discouraging violence and fostering unity. Independent media outlets scrutinised the process, exposing irregularities and holding both candidates accountable for their claims.
The Role of Media in Ghana’s Elections
The Media played an indispensable role in ensuring transparency, educating voters, and shaping the narrative of the 2024 elections. Radio stations broadcasting in local languages bridged the information gap, particularly in rural areas. Voters were educated on the electoral process, campaign promises, and the importance of peaceful participation. Fact-checking organizations like Dubawa Ghana worked tirelessly to debunk fake news and ensure an informed electorate. Social media platforms were monitored for hate speech, curbing potential conflicts.
Independent media outlets such as Joy News and Citi FM provided real-time coverage, ensuring accountability during vote counting and reducing the spread of misinformation. Mahama’s campaign leveraged platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to mobilise young voters. Viral hashtags and campaign videos created a sense of inclusion and excitement among first-time voters. International observers, including ECOWAS and the African Union, commended Ghana’s vibrant media landscape for contributing to transparency.
Comparison with Sierra Leone Election Media Coverages
The role of the media in Ghana’s 2024 elections offers valuable lessons for other African nations, including Sierra Leone, which held its own elections in 2023.
The experiences of both countries underscore the importance of a free and vibrant press in strengthening democracy, though Sierra Leone can draw lessons from Ghana’s emphasis on fact-checking and neutrality. While both Ghana and Sierra Leone boast vibrant media landscapes, there are notable differences in how the media operates during elections. On technology, Sierra Leone can adopt Ghana’s model of utilizing technology for fact-checking and real-time election updates to combat misinformation.
Encouraging neutrality among media outlets can reduce polarisation and foster trust in electoral outcomes. Similar to Ghana, localised voter education campaigns in multiple languages can increase informed participation, particularly in rural areas. The media’s role in Ghana’s 2024 elections underscores the importance of a free and vibrant press in strengthening democracy. By drawing lessons from Ghana’s successes and addressing its own challenges, Sierra Leone can enhance the media’s positive influence in future elections.
The Opposition’s Future and Bawumia’s Concession
The NPP’s defeat raises critical questions about the party’s future and the political trajectory of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. Bawumia’s swift concession and congratulatory message to Mahama reinforced Ghana’s democratic culture and earned him respect across the political spectrum.
His statesmanship contrasted with instances in other African nations where incumbents have resisted peaceful transitions, showcasing Ghana as a model for democratic maturity. After two terms in power, the NPP faces a pivotal moment to reassess its policies and reconnect with the electorate.
Economic mismanagement, rising public debt, and perceived insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Ghanaians were central to their defeat. The party will likely need new leadership and innovative strategies to regain public trust.
While Bawumia remains a significant figure, his association with the Akufo-Addo administration and its economic struggles may hinder his influence. The NPP must decide whether to reposition Bawumia as a reformist leader or pivot to fresh faces with broader appeal.
Ghana’s Election: A Democratic Model for Africa
Ghana’s peaceful electoral process underscores its reputation as a model democracy in Africa. The transparency of the Electoral Commission and the dignified concession by Bawumia reflect a robust democratic ethos, setting an example for other nations. As Mahama prepares to take office, his victory symbolises resilience, and the enduring will of the Ghanaian people. With his track record and renewed mandate, he faces the dual task of honouring the electorate’s trust and navigating the complex challenges ahead.
By accepting defeat and congratulating Mahama, Bawumia set an example for future leaders, emphasising unity over division.
Post-Election Economic Expectations and the Way Forward
Ghanaians have high expectations for Mahama’s administration to address pressing economic challenges, which dominated the election discourse. Mahama inherits an economy grappling with high inflation, a devalued currency, and public debt exceeding 100% of GDP.
Immediate priorities will include restoring macroeconomic stability, renegotiating debt terms, and reducing dependence on external bailouts. In addition, youth unemployment remains a critical issue. Mahama’s focus on industrialization, entrepreneurship, and agribusiness is seen as a potential solution to create sustainable jobs.
The proposed establishment of an office to oversee high-value procurement is expected to increase transparency and curb wasteful spending. Successful implementation of this initiative will signal a commitment to good governance and attract foreign investment. Collaborating with the private sector to rebuild key industries, such as gold mining and cocoa production, could accelerate economic recovery.
While expectations are high, Mahama faces a tightrope walk in delivering results without exacerbating public debt. Balancing short-term relief measures with long-term structural reforms will be crucial.