The Greater Accra region plays a key role in Ghana’s elections. As the country's capital, it is home to a large and diverse population, with people moving there in search of better job opportunities. This has made the region a significant part of Ghana's electoral map, often seen as a reflection of the country's overall political mood.

In the upcoming December 2024 elections, 18.7 million voters are expected to participate, and Greater Accra leads with the highest number of registered voters. Historically, winning this region has been crucial for securing the presidency.

Since 2000, whichever party has won Accra has usually gone on to win the national election. However, in 2020, the NDC’s John Mahama won the region but lost the overall election to Nana Akufo-Addo.

Why Greater Accra is Crucial

Accra is not just Ghana’s political hub; it is also the country's economic heart. Many voters in the capital are middle or lower-middle-class, and their lives are directly impacted by government policies. This makes them particularly sensitive to economic issues, which often become deciding factors in elections.

The Region’s Voting History

Greater Accra is known as a swing region, having flipped between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the years.

Since 1996, the NDC has won the region four times, while the NPP has won three times. The margins have been narrow, showing just how competitive this region is.

In the 2020 elections, while the NDC secured more parliamentary seats in Accra, the NPP's overall national strength helped them win the presidency. With the 2024 election nearing, both parties face a tough battle in this crucial region.

Key Issues for Voters

The leading candidates in this election are Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP and former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC. Bawumia has focused his campaign on continuing the government's digitalization efforts and cutting unpopular taxes.

Meanwhile, Mahama has promised to create jobs and fight corruption through his "Operation Recoup All Loot" plan.

Economic concerns, such as inflation and unemployment, are top of mind for voters. Recent surveys show that many Ghanaians are unhappy with the country's direction, with rising living costs and public debt among their biggest worries.

Economic Challenges Ahead

The economic picture looks difficult for the NPP. Inflation has risen from 9.9% in 2020 to 20.4% in 2024, and the country’s public debt has more than doubled. These figures suggest that the government’s economic policies have not fared well, making it harder for the NPP to win back support in Greater Accra.

Despite this, NPP supporters believe that Dr. Bawumia’s focus on digital transformation could help improve the economy and win over voters. However, the NDC's promises of job creation and anti-corruption efforts may resonate more strongly with those feeling the pinch of the current economic crisis.

Conclusion

As the December elections approach, it is clear that Greater Accra will once again play a pivotal role. While the NDC appears to have an edge, the outcome is still uncertain, and both parties will need to work hard to win over voters in this key region.