Elections in the U.S. and Ghana are shaped by vastly different factors. In the U.S., voters base their choices predominantly on issues and current trends.
Democrats consistently win 20 states, including Washington, D.C., while Republicans dominate 23, with 7 swing states (Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nevada) deciding the outcome.
Trump’s 2.0 campaign saw him sweep all 7 swing states, cementing a resounding victory.
In Ghana, we have our “strongholds”:
- NDC: Volta, Oti, Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions.
- NPP: Ashanti and Eastern regions.
Unlike the U.S., Ghanaian voting patterns are heavily influenced by tribal and religious sentiments—ingrained over decades by politicians. Our “swing regions”—Greater Accra, Central, Western, and Bono—decide the presidency. Whoever captures the majority in these regions takes the ultimate prize.
Key Issues Influencing U.S. Voters:
- The Economy: Concerns about inflation, job creation, and overall economic stability have become central voter priorities, with many Americans uncertain about a sustainable recovery.
- Abortion Rights: The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade ignited intense debate, making it a critical issue, especially in battleground states.
- Immigration: Resonating deeply with Republican voters, this remains a contentious topic.
Key Issues Likely to Shape Ghana’s 2024 Elections:
- The Economy:
Ghana is grappling with its worst economic crisis since the 1980s. Debt-to-GDP stands at a staggering 88%, inflation at 42.5%, and lots of household savings have been eroded by unpopular IMF-driven measures, like the “haircut.” Many Ghanaians feel poorer than they did eight years ago, and youth unemployment is rife. The hope of brighter economic prospects seems distant for most citizens. - Misguided Priorities:
Government spending on unsustainable projects has raised public outrage. For instance, $58 million was reportedly spent on a failed attempt to build a “national White Elephantic cathedral.” One wonders how many hospitals could have been built or refurbished with that amount. - State Capture:
Governance appears to be controlled by individuals without official designations. Contracts are awarded without the knowledge of sector ministers. When the “national cake” becomes “family cake,” it’s no wonder citizens are disillusioned. - Galamsey (Illegal Mining):
Our rivers are polluted, and Ghana may soon need to import potable water. Chiefs, politicians, and local leaders play major roles in enabling this menace, yet we continue to deny the obvious. A commission report exposed those involved, but where are the results of the so-called fight against galamsey? - Corruption and Accountability:
Scandals abound, from the auditor general’s reports to unending allegations of mismanagement. Citizens feel they’ve not received value for money during the NPP’s eight-year administration, which will undoubtedly influence voting patterns. - Social Media:
A double-edged sword in modern-day politics. Politicians now hire “keyboard warriors” and influencers to spread propaganda, fake news, and party manifestos. Social media is a potent tool, amplifying messages within seconds, and both major parties have allocated significant budgets for this purpose.
A bird whispered in my ear about the dollar-to-cedi exchange rate. The saying still holds:
“You can do all the propaganda you like, but if the fundamentals are weak, the exchange rate will expose you.” Sorry I don’t remember who said that.
Was the fundamental weak when it was 1:4? Is it weak now at 1:16? I’ll leave you to fill in the blanks.
