By Chris K.
Come December 7, Ghanaian voters will step aboard the democracy train once more, ticket (ballot) in hand, destination unknown. Some hope the journey will take them to the promised land of paved roads, reliable electricity, and an economy that doesn’t feel like it’s on life support. Others, seasoned by years of political déjà vu, have their doubts.
It’s that time again when politicians turn into village philanthropists, rice bags get delivered faster than you can belt out a party slogan, and the airwaves buzz with promises grander than a telenovela plot twist.
With 13 presidential candidates on the ballot, it seems everyone and their cousin thinks they have the magic wand to fix Ghana. But let’s focus on the Fabulous Four—John Mahama, Mahamudu Bawumia, Nana Kwame Bediako, and Alan Kyerematen—because, frankly, the others have about as much chance of winning as a bicycle beating a Ferrari in a drag race.
The 2024 elections are unique, not for their issues—those remain depressingly consistent—but for the cast of characters vying for the presidential throne. Let’s meet the frontrunners, assess their motives, and explore why Ghanaian politics seems to be the only business where you can spend billions and still promise millions you don’t have.
Meet the Presidential Power Rangers
John Dramani Mahama – The Resilient Statesman
Mahama is like the ex you keep texting because, deep down, you believe they’ve changed. He’s banking on his experience as a former president to woo voters. His campaign promises sound like a “greatest hits” album—paving roads, creating jobs, and a bonus remix track: a 24-hour economy. But some wonder why these tracks didn’t top the charts during his first presidency.
Still, he’s charismatic, smooth, and knows his way around the system. Whether you believe him or not, there’s no denying his charisma and his willingness to own his record—good or bad. For Mahama, it’s not about rewriting history but adding a more hopeful sequel.
- Unique Selling Point (USP): A steady hand who knows the system inside out. He’s promising to rebuild, refine, and this time, go all the way.
- Motive: Is it about completing what he started for the collective good of 34.6 million Ghanaians? Or is he simply drawn back by the allure of unfinished business? Either way, you can’t deny his passion.
Mahamudu Bawumia – The Digital Crusader
Vice President Bawumia has made “digitalization” the hottest buzzword since the jollof wars. From e-passports to the e-levy (not quite the fan favorite), he’s the candidate of tech-savvy governance. His solution to every problem seems to involve an app.
While his economic credentials once shone brightly, the current state of the cedi has dulled the sparkle. But he’s not giving up—his campaign is packed with promises of a digital utopia. The question is, can we afford the Wi-Fi data for this vision?
- USP: The promise of a digital revolution, wrapped in economic jargon that makes voters squint and nod in confusion.
- Motive: Is he genuinely trying to lead Ghana into the future, or is this just a high-tech distraction from the reality of the economy’s “Airplane Mode”?
Nana Kwame Bediako (Cheddar) – The Wild Card
The “bougie billionaire” in the race, Nana Kwame Bediako, aka Cheddar, is injecting luxury and razzmatazz into politics. Known for his towering real estate projects and philanthropy, he’s an outsider promising to disrupt the system. His campaign seems to say, “Why settle for pothole-ridden roads when we can bring the sea to you?”
With a strong youthful following (at least on social media), the question remains: can a man who builds skyscrapers build a nation? Still, he’s the outsider who claims he can break the cycle of career politicians. Technically possible, but winning Ghanaian hearts and minds will take more convincing.
- USP: Swagger, style, and a knack for Instagram-worthy gestures.
- Motive: Is Cheddar here to serve the people or to add “political disruptor” to his list of achievements? Either way, he’s the sizzle in this year’s electoral stew.
Alan Kyerematen – The Industrial Dreamer
Alan Kyerematen, fondly called “Alan Cash,” has been preaching the gospel of industrialization for years. His vision is a Ghana where factories hum, jobs abound, and we finally stop importing toothpicks.
His calm demeanor and meticulous plans appeal to those craving order in the chaotic world of Ghanaian politics.
- USP: Industrialization and job creation as the keys to economic independence.
- Motive: Is Alan Cash the leader to make Ghana self-sufficient, or is he yet another cog in the political machine? His blueprint looks solid, but will it translate to action?
Elections: A Mechanism for “Oops, Let’s Try Again”
Democracy, they say, gives people power. But in Ghana, it sometimes feels like it gives politicians power over people. Are we practicing true democracy through the ballot box, or are we stuck in a cycle of majority dictatorship where money talks louder than policies?
As President Erdogan of Turkey once said, “Democracy is like a train; you ride it until you get to your destination and then step off.” African leaders have mastered this formula, often hopping off at the “self-enrichment” station long before reaching the promised land.
In Ghana, campaigns are no longer about ideas; they’re about who can paint the town red, green, or gold with the most t-shirts, billboards, and bags of rice. Elections have become a contest of the loudest jingles, the biggest posters, the nastiest low blows, and, of course, the fattest wallets.
Ghanaian Politics: The Theatre of Unfulfilled Promises
Election season in Ghana is like a blockbuster movie. The trailers promise groundbreaking action, suspense, and a happy ending. But by the time the credits roll, we’re left wondering, “What happened to the roads, the jobs, and the reforms?”
Politicians make promises with the same frequency as they forget them, creating a vicious cycle of hope, disillusionment, and fresh hope. Each election feels like a ride on a shiny new train, only for voters to realize the tracks lead right back to where they started.
What Do Ghanaians Want From These Elections?
Ghanaians have always wanted the same basic things:
- An end to galamsey (illegal mining) destroying our water bodies.
- Schools that don’t require children to study under trees.
- Hospitals with doctors and nurses happy to work.
- Roads that don’t double as obstacle courses.
- Lower taxes so people can actually afford to live.
In short, we’re not asking for flying cars—just leadership with some common sense. Real transformation doesn’t require money; it requires discipline, enforcement of laws, accountability, and integrity in governance. And guess what? That doesn’t cost a dime.
On December 7, voters will board the democracy train again, praying it finally takes them to a better destination. Will it? Or will we find ourselves once again saying, “Well, that was fun… but what happened to our roads?”
Elections, after all, are a mechanism to admit, “We were wrong. Let’s try something else.” Here’s hoping that this time, “something else” is actually worth the ride.
