As the 2024 general election approaches, Ghana’s political landscape is taking shape with keen interest from citizens, political analysts, and international observers. Renowned researcher Professor Smart Sarpong has recently shared insights from his analysis of the political dynamics, providing a glimpse into the current state of the race between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Regional Support: A Divided Landscape
According to Professor Sarpong’s research, the political battle for Ghana’s presidency remains sharply divided along regional lines. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, representing the ruling NPP, appears to have the lead in seven regions, namely Western, Ahafo, Northern, Bono, Eastern, Ashanti, and Central. Meanwhile, former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC candidate, is reported to be leading in nine regions, including the Volta, Oti, Upper East, Upper West, and others.
While these regional leads may offer a preliminary outlook on voter preferences, Professor Sarpong has emphasized that the size and voter population of each region will play a critical role in determining the election’s outcome. Historically, regions like Ashanti and Greater Accra have held significant sway due to their large voting populations.
Strategies for the Key Players
Professor Sarpong advises the ruling NPP to focus on communicating their achievements during their tenure. Highlighting key successes and outlining tangible plans for the future will be crucial in convincing the electorate. On the other hand, the opposition NDC is encouraged to focus on exposing the weaknesses of the ruling government while presenting their vision for change. By doing so, they can capitalize on public dissatisfaction and offer themselves as a credible alternative.
The Battle for Ghana’s Presidency
Despite the divided regional support, Professor Sarpong believes the election remains open, with either Dr. Bawumia or Mr. Mahama having a realistic chance of winning. Success for either candidate will depend on their ability to mobilize their supporters, maintain party unity, and effectively communicate their vision to undecided voters.
Advice to Smaller Parties
While the NPP and NDC dominate the political arena, smaller parties like the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) have struggled to gain a foothold in Ghanaian politics. Professor Sarpong’s analysis suggests that these parties should shift their focus toward building stronger organizational structures and nurturing grassroots support. The current political climate indicates that the battle for 2024 is squarely between the NPP and the NDC, but smaller parties have an opportunity to lay the foundation for future elections by investing in their growth and visibility.
Conclusion
As Ghana gears up for the 2024 election, the stakes are higher than ever. The research by Professor Smart Sarpong offers valuable insights into the current dynamics and highlights the strategies both major parties must adopt to emerge victorious. With the electorate divided and the competition fierce, the road to the presidency will require not just numbers but also strategic messaging and a clear
source: Nsemgh.com
