Ghana’s 2024 presidential election is gearing up to be a thrilling contest, with several strong candidates vying for the top spot.
Here’s a breakdown of the key contenders, their platforms, and challenges:
*John Dramani Mahama* – National Democratic Congress (NDC):
– Policies:
– 24-Hour Economy Policy
– Women’s Development Bank
– National Apprentice Programme
– Scraping six draconian taxes
– Special pension scheme for informal sector workers
– $10 billion investment in strategic infrastructure development
– Strengths: Popularity, good communication skills, female running mate
– Challenges: Allegations of bias against the Electoral Commission and judiciary, mistrust from the public due to previous election disputes.
*Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia* – New Patriotic Party (NPP):
– Policies:
– Tax Digitalization
– Gold-for-Oil Programme
– TVET and STEM Education
– Free Tertiary Education for persons with disabilities
– Simplifying corporate tax system and VAT
– Solving unemployment issues and improving road networks
– Strengths: Economic expertise, leadership of digitalization agenda
– Challenges: Criticisms of the NPP’s handling of the economy, allegations of rigging and electoral manipulation.
*Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen* – Movement For Change:
– Policies:
– Rent Control measures
– Supporting Youth-Owned Mining Companies
– Encouraging private sector involvement
– Investing in Sports Infrastructure and workers’ welfare
– Strengths: Popularity, experience in trade and industry
– Challenges: Limited recognition as a third-party candidate, difficulty in competing with established parties.
– *Hassan Ayariga* – All People’s Congress
– Running mate: Rev Samuel Mensah
– *Daniel Augustus* Lartey jnr- Great Consolidated Party
– *Kofi Akpaloo* – Liberal Party of Ghana
– Running mate: Elizabeth Sam.
– *Akua Donkor* – Ghana Freedom Party
– Running mate: Roman Fada
– *Christian Kwabena Andrews* – Ghana Union Movement
– Running mate: Abu Sakara Foster
– *George Twum* Barima Adu- Independent Candidate
– *Nana Kwame Bediako*- Independent Candidate
– *Nana Akosua* Frimpongmaa- Convention People’s Party
– *Kofi Koranteng*- Independent Candidate
– *Mohammed Frimpong* – National Democratic Party
With 13 candidates on the final ballot, Ghana’s 2024 presidential election promises to be a closely contested and exciting race. The election will take place on December 7, 2024, and will mark Ghana’s fifth presidential succession since the return to democratic multiparty politics in 1992. The Electoral Commission has a reputation for professionalism, independence, and integrity, which has contributed to the country’s stable democratic transitions.
