As Ghana prepares for its December 2024 general elections, the political atmosphere is heating up with a diverse lineup of presidential candidates vying for the nation’s top office. The electoral process in Ghana has consistently been a symbol of the country’s democratic strength, with competitive elections characterized by active public participation and peaceful transitions of power.
Voters across the country are gearing up to choose a new president, and the diverse field of candidates offers plenty for the electorate to consider. With just a few months to go, many Ghanaians are already asking themselves the key question: Who will you vote for if elections were held today?
Let’s take a look at some of the leading candidates and their respective parties, as well as what they are bringing to the table in the 2024 elections.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia – New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the current Vice President, is the candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Known for his role in leading Ghana’s digital transformation and his background as an economist, Bawumia’s platform is likely to focus on continuity, economic recovery, and leveraging technology to streamline governance. His supporters see him as a progressive leader who can continue the policies of the NPP, particularly in terms of fiscal discipline and economic management.
Under the NPP government, initiatives like mobile money interoperability, the national digital property addressing system, and the Ghana Card have been implemented to modernize the economy and make financial services more accessible to the general public. Bawumia has been a central figure in these efforts, and he has emphasized the need to push Ghana forward into a more digitized, efficient, and technologically-driven future.
As a candidate, his challenge will be addressing the criticisms leveled against the current government, particularly in terms of economic hardships, high public debt, and inflation. His opponents argue that while the digitization efforts have been commendable, more must be done to alleviate the economic burdens felt by ordinary Ghanaians.
John Dramani Mahama – National Democratic Congress (NDC)
John Dramani Mahama, the former president of Ghana, is back once again to challenge for the highest office. As the candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahama is running on a platform that promises to address economic inequality, infrastructure development, and job creation. His tenure as president from 2012 to 2017 is still fresh in the minds of many Ghanaians, and his administration was marked by massive infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and hospitals.
Mahama has positioned himself as the leader who will restore Ghana’s economic stability, reverse austerity measures, and create more jobs, particularly for the youth. His policies appeal to those who feel left behind by the current government, especially in rural areas where development has not been as robust.
Mahama’s return to the ballot means that Ghanaians will likely see another closely contested election between the NDC and NPP, reminiscent of the 2020 polls. His experience, charisma, and proven track record in infrastructure development could sway voters, particularly those who are disillusioned with the current state of the economy.
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen – Movement for Change
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, the former Trade and Industry Minister, is running under the banner of the newly formed Movement for Change. After his departure from the NPP, Kyerematen is positioning himself as a third-force candidate who offers a fresh perspective on governance and leadership. His vision centers on industrialization, job creation, and economic transformation through the development of Ghana’s manufacturing and export sectors.
Kyerematen’s legacy includes spearheading the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, aimed at decentralizing industrial development and creating jobs across Ghana’s districts. His supporters argue that his understanding of trade and industry, coupled with his moderate and business-friendly policies, make him the best candidate to turn Ghana’s economy around.
However, running as an independent candidate presents its own challenges. He will need to build a strong grassroots base and convince voters that he is a viable alternative to the NPP and NDC, which have dominated Ghana’s political landscape for decades.
Hassan Ayariga – All People’s Congress (APC)
Hassan Ayariga, the leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), is once again running for president in 2024. Ayariga has been a frequent candidate in Ghanaian elections, consistently advocating for a new direction in leadership that breaks away from the dominance of the NPP and NDC. His platform emphasizes transparency, good governance, and economic empowerment for all Ghanaians.
Ayariga’s critics have often pointed to his limited electoral success in past contests, but he remains a determined candidate with a dedicated base of supporters. His message is geared toward Ghanaians who are frustrated with the political status quo and are looking for new leadership.
Christian Kwabena Andrews – Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
Christian Kwabena Andrews, popularly known as Osofo Kyiri Abosom, is the leader of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM). As a religious leader turned politician, Andrews blends political advocacy with a spiritual message, and he has attracted followers who believe in his vision of moral and ethical governance.
His platform includes policies focused on social justice, wealth redistribution, and a return to the Nkrumahist ideals of self-sufficiency and industrialization. In the 2020 elections, GUM made a surprising impact, garnering enough support to be seen as a serious third party in Ghanaian politics.
Andrews is positioning himself as the voice of the ordinary Ghanaian, particularly those in the informal sector, and he has pledged to fight corruption, which he claims is one of the root causes of Ghana’s economic woes.
Akua Donkor – Ghana Freedom Party (GFP)
Akua Donkor, the founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), is another candidate in the 2024 election. Donkor is well-known for her advocacy on behalf of farmers and rural communities. She has consistently championed agricultural development, believing that a strong farming sector is essential to Ghana’s overall economic growth.
Despite being considered a fringe candidate in past elections, Donkor’s persistence and populist messaging have earned her a loyal following, particularly in rural areas. Her challenge in 2024 will be to broaden her appeal and convince voters that she has the experience and leadership skills to govern the country effectively.
Kofi Akpaloo – Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)
Kofi Akpaloo, the leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), is also a contender in the 2024 race. Akpaloo’s campaign focuses heavily on entrepreneurship, job creation, and tax reforms aimed at stimulating small businesses and the private sector.
Akpaloo has positioned himself as a pro-business candidate who understands the needs of young entrepreneurs and the Ghanaian workforce. His platform resonates with voters who prioritize economic reforms that will make Ghana more competitive in the global market.
Nana Akosua Frimponmaa Sarpong Kumankumah – Convention People’s Party (CPP)
As the candidate for the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Nana Akosua Frimponmaa Sarpong Kumankumah represents one of the oldest political traditions in Ghana, founded by the country’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. The CPP remains committed to its Nkrumahist ideology, emphasizing economic self-reliance, Pan-Africanism, and social equity.
Frimponmaa’s leadership brings a fresh perspective to the CPP, and her candidacy seeks to rejuvenate the party’s legacy by appealing to both the youth and older generations who still hold Nkrumahist ideals dear.
Mohammed Frimpong – National Democratic Party (NDP)
Mohammed Frimpong is running on the ticket of the National Democratic Party (NDP), a party founded by former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. The NDP has positioned itself as a reformist party, advocating for strong governance, anti-corruption measures, and social justice. Frimpong’s candidacy reflects the party’s mission to restore what it sees as the core values of the Rawlings era—integrity, accountability, and the empowerment of all Ghanaians.
Frimpong’s campaign emphasizes national unity, economic restructuring, and the need to address inequality. He aims to appeal to voters disillusioned with both the NPP and NDC, offering an alternative that reflects a blend of the Rawlings legacy and modern reformist ideas. His success in the election will depend on his ability to galvanize the NDP’s base and communicate his vision of reform to the broader electorate.
Nana Kwame Bediako – The New Force
Nana Kwame Bediako, running under the banner of The New Force, is a relatively new entrant to Ghana’s political scene. Known as a businessman and philanthropist, Bediako (also known as Cheddar) has built a reputation as a forward-thinking, innovative leader with a focus on entrepreneurship and wealth creation. His party, The New Force, seeks to provide a fresh alternative to the traditional political landscape dominated by the NPP and NDC.
Bediako’s campaign revolves around empowering the youth, fostering economic independence, and creating an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive. He appeals to voters who are tired of the political status quo and are looking for a leader with a more modern, business-minded approach to governance. His challenge lies in translating his success in the private sector into a credible political platform that resonates with a wide range of voters across Ghana.
Janet Nabla – People’s National Party (PNP)
Janet Nabla, the candidate for the People’s National Party (PNP), is one of the few female candidates in the 2024 election. Nabla’s candidacy represents a commitment to women’s empowerment, social equality, and inclusive governance. Her platform highlights the importance of addressing gender disparities in Ghanaian society, ensuring that women have equal opportunities in education, business, and politics.
Nabla has also emphasized the need for social justice reforms, particularly in healthcare, education, and social services. Her message resonates with voters who feel that women’s issues have been sidelined in national conversations and are looking for leadership that prioritizes gender equality and inclusivity. However, like other smaller parties, the PNP will need to build a strong grassroots movement to compete with the major parties in what is shaping up to be a competitive election.
Conclusion: Who Will You Vote For?
Ghanaians have many choices in the upcoming election. Each candidate represents different visions for the country’s future, from economic recovery and industrialization to transparency, good governance, and moral leadership.
Whether it’s continuity and economic recovery under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a return to infrastructure-driven development with John Dramani Mahama, or a fresh entrepreneurial approach with Nana Kwame Bediako, the choice will have long-lasting implications for the direction of the country — Ghana.
As the election season progresses, voters will be looking closely at the candidates’ platforms, their past records, and their ability to deliver on their promises. The ultimate decision lies with the people of Ghana, and their choice in December 2024 will shape the country’s future for the next four years and beyond.
So, if the elections were held today, who would you vote for? This question will continue to resonate with Ghanaians as they weigh their options and consider what’s best for the nation.
