The 2024 Ghanaian general election saw a significant shift in the political landscape, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) experiencing a decisive defeat at the hands of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by John Dramani Mahama. A post-election tracking poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics sheds light on the factors contributing to the NPP’s loss, pinpointing key figures within the party who shouldered the brunt of the blame. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emerged as the primary figure held responsible, with a staggering 68% of respondents attributing the defeat to his leadership.
Akufo-Addo’s tenure was marked by economic challenges, exacerbated by the global pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which significantly impacted Ghana’s economy. These economic hardships, including high inflation and a depreciating currency, likely contributed to public dissatisfaction and ultimately influenced the election outcome. The poll suggests that voters held Akufo-Addo accountable for the government’s handling of the economic crisis, viewing his leadership as ineffective in mitigating its impact on ordinary citizens.
Following closely behind Akufo-Addo in the blame game was his cousin and former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta. Ofori-Atta faced criticism for his economic policies, with 40% of respondents pointing to him as a contributing factor to the NPP’s defeat. His involvement in controversial financial decisions, coupled with the perceived lack of transparency in government spending, likely fueled public distrust and contributed to the negative sentiment towards the NPP. The poll suggests that Ofori-Atta’s economic management became a liability for the party, ultimately impacting their electoral fortunes.
The NPP’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, also bore a significant share of the blame, with 37% of respondents holding him responsible for the election loss. As the face of the NPP’s campaign, Bawumia struggled to distance himself from the unpopular policies of the previous administration. Despite his attempts to present a fresh perspective and distance himself from the economic struggles of the Akufo-Addo era, voters seemingly held him accountable for the government’s overall performance. This suggests that Bawumia’s association with the previous administration, coupled with the perceived lack of a distinct vision for the future, hampered his ability to garner sufficient support to secure victory.
Further down the list of those blamed were Dr. Mathew Opoku-Prempeh, Bawumia’s running mate, and other government appointees and Members of Parliament. Their perceived complicity in the perceived missteps of the Akufo-Addo administration likely contributed to the overall negative perception of the NPP, influencing voter decisions. Interestingly, former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, received a relatively small portion of the blame, indicating that voters did not hold him as accountable for the party’s overall performance as they did other key figures.
The poll also revealed a significant shift in voter intentions in the final weeks leading up to the election. While Dr. Bawumia initially enjoyed considerable support, a noteworthy 17% of his intended voters switched their allegiance to John Mahama on election day. This last-minute swing suggests a loss of confidence in Bawumia’s leadership and a growing preference for Mahama’s alternative vision. The data paints a picture of a volatile electorate, influenced by evolving perceptions of the candidates and their respective parties in the final stages of the campaign. The poll underscores the importance of maintaining momentum and public trust throughout the electoral process, as even seemingly secure support can erode quickly in the face of shifting political dynamics.
Finally, the poll highlights a significant shift in public opinion regarding the country’s direction. Following the election, a clear majority (64%) of voters expressed confidence in the direction of the country under President Mahama’s leadership. This marks a significant turnaround from pre-election sentiment, suggesting that Mahama successfully capitalized on public dissatisfaction with the previous administration and presented a compelling vision for the future. The poll underscores the importance of public perception and the ability of a leader to inspire confidence and hope in the electorate. This positive shift in public opinion suggests that Mahama’s message resonated with voters, paving the way for his electoral victory and solidifying his mandate to lead the country.
