The 2024 Ghanaian general elections were held on December 7, 2024, marking another significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey. This election saw Ghanaians voting to elect the president and parliamentarians who will govern the country for the next four years. Approximately 18.8 million registered voters participated across 276 constituencies, with a notable 55% being young voters .
Key Highlights:
1.Presidential Election:
•Former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious, defeating incumbent Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Bawumia conceded on December 8, emphasizing peace and a smooth transition .
•Thirteen candidates, including four independents, contested the presidency .
2.Parliamentary Elections:
•A total of 801 candidates vied for 276 parliamentary seats, with significant participation from independent candidates .
3.Significant Issues:
•Economic concerns and governance inefficiencies were central to the campaigns. Mahama pledged swift action to address these issues, unveiling a 26-point agenda for his first 120 days in office .
•Allegations of irregularities and heightened political tensions arose during the lead-up to the elections, though the process concluded peacefully .
4.Youth Engagement:
•Young voters played a pivotal role, making up the majority of the electorate. This reflects Ghana’s growing focus on youth inclusion in its democratic processes .
The elections have been widely praised for their peaceful conduct, underscoring Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. The peaceful concession by Bawumia further highlighted the nation’s commitment to democratic principles .
Ghana Elections 2024: A Closer Look
The 2024 general elections in Ghana were held on December 7, with significant voter turnout and peaceful participation across the country. Here’s a detailed examination of the elections and their implications:
1. Presidential Results
•John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the presidential race, marking his return to power after serving as President from 2012 to 2017.
•His main rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat on December 8, highlighting his commitment to national unity and stability .
•Key policy promises by Mahama include:
•Economic stabilization through debt restructuring and investment in infrastructure.
•Job creation for youth, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship.
•Reforms in healthcare, education, and governance .
2. Parliamentary Elections
•A total of 801 candidates contested for the 276 parliamentary seats, representing various political parties and independent platforms.
•Results have yet to be fully certified, but reports indicate gains for the NDC in key regions, challenging the NPP’s strongholds .
3. Youth and Gender Representation
•Youth participation was a highlight, with over 55% of voters being under 35 years old. This demographic proved decisive in shaping the electoral outcome .
•Gender representation remains a challenge, as the number of female candidates was low compared to their male counterparts.
4. Election Observations
•CODEO (Coalition of Domestic Election Observers) and other civil society groups praised the organization of the elections but noted minor logistical issues at polling centers .
•International observers, including from ECOWAS and the African Union, commended the peaceful process, further solidifying Ghana’s democratic reputation.
5. Challenges and Controversies
•Allegations of voter transfer irregularities were raised by the NDC, accusing the Electoral Commission of bias. However, these claims did not escalate into major disputes .
•Some constituencies witnessed tension, particularly in contested areas like Techiman South, but security forces quickly restored order .
6. National and Regional Implications
•This election has further entrenched Ghana’s status as a leading democracy in Africa.
•The smooth transition of power from the NPP to the NDC signals political maturity and a commitment to peace.
Looking Ahead
With Mahama set to return to the presidency, his government faces high expectations to deliver on campaign promises, especially amid economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and public debt. His first 100 days in office will be critical in setting the tone for his administration’s priorities .
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