Low voter turnout marks Ghana 2024 elections

Ghana’s 2024 presidential and legislative elections were marred by low voter turnout, with polling stations across the country reporting smaller-than-expected crowds. Concerns over economic hardship and rising voter apathy dominated the narrative as Ghanaians cast their ballots.

Voting opened at 7am local time (07:00 GMT) and closed at 5pm (17:00 GMT) on Saturday. While Ghana’s elections have historically seen turnout rates of about 70 percent, early observations suggested a noticeable decline this year.

In Accra, the nation’s capital, polling stations were visibly quiet shortly after opening. Ahmed Idris of Al Jazeera reported that at one station, only 18 to 20 people queued to vote before activity tapered off. “Within an hour and a half, everything went quiet,” he said, attributing the phenomenon to widespread voter apathy.

This sentiment was echoed by voters like 68-year-old Comfort Saaquah Aidoo, who arrived early in Jamestown to cast her ballot. Despite her commitment, she voiced frustration with the current government. “I want a new government. The old one can’t do the work properly; they promised and failed,” she said.

Similarly, Joyce Adjadji, a 54-year-old teacher in a suburb of Greater Accra, said she voted for change due to the country’s worsening cost of living. “The cost of living is really harsh, and we can’t cope with it,” she explained.

Economic challenges drive disengagement

Ghana’s economic crisis has been a focal point of this election, with skyrocketing inflation, a debt default, and a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund leaving many citizens disillusioned.

Both leading candidates – Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition candidate John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) – presented contrasting visions for economic recovery. Yet, their campaigns failed to energize large portions of the electorate.

“People feel let down,” said political analyst Kofi Nyarko. “They don’t believe their votes will bring the change they need, and this economic disillusionment is reflected in the turnout.”

Ghana has long been lauded as a model of democratic stability in West Africa, with peaceful elections and transitions of power since 1992. However, the 2024 elections may signal a shift in voter engagement, particularly as trust in the political class erodes.

The government temporarily closed land borders to ensure the integrity of the vote, and while election day was largely calm, isolated incidents like the shooting death of one person at a polling station in Nyankpala hinted at underlying tensions.

As votes are counted and early results expected Sunday, analysts will closely examine how turnout impacts the outcome. For now, the declining engagement poses questions about the future of Ghana’s democratic participation.

Despite the low turnout, both the NPP and NDC remain confident in their chances. Bawumia, a trained economist, has pledged to continue government programs for digitalization, free education, and healthcare.

Meanwhile, Mahama promises to “reset” the economy with job creation and renegotiated IMF terms.