Ghana’s Electoral Commission’s credibility was scrutinised following allegations of irregularities in the voter register. In September 2024, the NDC organised nationwide protests, accusing the EC of inflating the register favouring the ruling NPP.

Image from the Demonstration Against E.C

The demonstrations highlighted the tension between maintaining public order and respecting citizens’ assembly rights. Police actions during these protests, including the use of water cannons and arrests, raised concerns about the excessive use of force. Observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) commended the peaceful voting in most parts of the country but highlighted the need for reforms. The reports highlighted the necessity of electoral transparency, particularly in addressing pre-election grievances to prevent disputes that could undermine trust in the democratic process.

Ghana’s 2024 Elections

Ghana’s 2024 elections were a tale of triumph and tension. The election period was further complicated by the death of Akua Donkor, the presidential candidate for the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), on October 28, 2024, due to a short illness. Despite this sombre development, Ghanaians headed to the polls on December 7, 2024, to elect their president and members of Parliament in 275 constituencies. This reaffirmed Ghana’s position as an ideal image of democracy in West Africa. The peaceful conduct of the polls, monitored by international observers, further solidified the country’s reputation for democratic stability. Twelve presidential candidates contested, but the election was primarily a two-horse race between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). The elections resulted in a decisive victory for former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC. According to the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson and Returning Officer, Jean Mensa, Mr Mahama secured 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55%, while Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and presidential candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%. Ms Jean Mensa explained that the results were collated from 267 constituencies, with some constituencies outstanding due to unresolved issues. She clarified that based on the EC’s calculations, the votes from these constituencies, totalling slightly over 947,000, would not alter the outcome, as John Mahama would still emerge as the winner.  The EC Chair further noted that the results from the nine constituencies would eventually be collated and added to the Commission’s official records. Alongside the presidential victory, the NDC claimed a two-thirds parliamentary majority, signalling a significant shift in Ghana’s political landscape. The elections also witnessed a milestone for gender equity in Ghanaian politics, as the Vice President-elect, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, became the first woman to hold this office in the country’s history. Her election is a significant step forward for women’s political representation in Ghana and serves as an inspiration across Africa.

The elections were conducted amidst severe economic challenges. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana’s inflation rate was 38.1% as of November 2024. High unemployment and a cost-of-living crisis fuelled discontent among voters. The NDC campaign capitalised on these grievances, promising economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and reforms to reduce Ghana’s dependency on foreign financial assistance. This resonated with voters across the nation, especially in urban and peri-urban areas.

Incidents of Violence and Chaos

While the presidential election results were declared promptly, the parliamentary elections in certain constituencies remain unresolved due to irregularities. In the Greater Accra Region, constituencies such as Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central saw their results invalidated by the Electoral Commission (EC). This was due to allegations of vote tampering and procedural lapses that compromised the integrity of the results.

Scenes from Awutu Senya Violence

Despite Ghana’s history of relatively peaceful elections, the 2024 polls were not without violence. In the Ahafo Ano North Constituency in the Ashanti Region, post-election unrest resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals. Violence broke out in Tepa after the declaration of results, prompting military intervention to restore order. Reports indicate that some supporters of the losing candidates engaged in arson and vandalism, including the burning of properties. Other areas, such as the Awutu Senya East Constituency in the Central Region, also experienced violent confrontations. The constituency, which had been flagged by the National Peace Council as a hotspot, recorded 42 flashpoints of unrest, ranging from skirmishes at polling stations to destruction of electoral materials.

International and Regional Implications

Ghana’s elections have far-reaching implications for democracy in Africa. The peaceful transition of power demonstrates the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions, even amid economic and political turbulence. However, the violence in certain constituencies, coupled with unresolved parliamentary disputes, accentuates the importance of strengthening electoral systems to ensure credibility and fairness. The election of Ghana’s first female Vice President is a landmark achievement, advancing the conversation on gender equality in leadership across Africa. International stakeholders must support Ghana in sustaining these democratic gains while addressing lingering challenges.

A New Chapter for Ghana

The 2024 elections embody both continuity and change. The peaceful process demonstrated the resilience of Ghana’s democratic institutions, while the challenges exposed highlight the necessity for reforms in economic governance, electoral transparency, and human rights. As Ghana embarks on this new chapter, the international community, including organizations like the International Society for Human Rights, has a vital role to play. By supporting Ghana’s efforts through partnerships and advocacy, the global human rights community can help ensure the country upholds its democratic values while addressing pressing economic and social challenges. Ghana now has a unique opportunity to set a new standard for democracy, human rights, and inclusive governance in Africa and beyond.

Voter Statistics

Presidential Election Statistics