{"id":262038,"date":"2024-12-07T08:16:22","date_gmt":"2024-12-07T08:16:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/12\/07\/meet-the-front-runners-the-key-issues-and-which-constituencies-are-critical\/"},"modified":"2024-12-07T08:16:22","modified_gmt":"2024-12-07T08:16:22","slug":"meet-the-front-runners-the-key-issues-and-which-constituencies-are-critical","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/12\/07\/meet-the-front-runners-the-key-issues-and-which-constituencies-are-critical\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the front-runners, the key issues and which constituencies are critical"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Today, December 7, 2024, Ghanaians are heading to the polls in what many are describing as one of the most consequential elections in recent history. With economic challenges, social disparities, and pressing national issues at the forefront, voters have a crucial decision to make. The election is poised to shape Ghana\u2019s trajectory for the next four years, as contenders pitch their visions for a brighter future.<\/p>\n

Key Contenders: A crowded field with distinct visions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

John Dramani Mahama (National Democratic Congress \u2013 NDC):<\/strong><\/p>\n

The former president seeks a return to power, offering a message of economic recovery and social equity. Mahama has focused his campaign on resetting Ghana and issues like renegotiating the IMF bailout to create fiscal space for developmental initiatives. <\/p>\n

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NDC presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

His manifesto emphasizes infrastructure development, job creation for the youth, and intensifying efforts to combat corruption.<\/p>\n

Mahamudu Bawumia (New Patriotic Party \u2013 NPP):<\/strong><\/p>\n

The current Vice President is the NPP\u2019s candidate, running on a record of economic stability and digitization efforts. <\/p>\n

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Dr Mahamudu Bawumia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bawumia touts achievements like improved access to mobile money and digitized public services, while promising to tackle inflation and expand industrial growth. His campaign highlights continuity of Free SHS and further deepening economic reforms.<\/p>\n

Alan Kyerematen (Independent):<\/strong><\/p>\n

The former Trade Minister, now running independently after breaking from the NPP, positions himself as a unifying figure with a focus on industrialization. Kyerematen\u2019s \u201cGreat Transformational Plan\u201d promises to industrialize the agricultural sector and create sustainable jobs, especially for the youth and women.<\/p>\n

Nana Kwame Bediako (Independent):<\/strong><\/p>\n

Business mogul Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as \u201cCheddar,\u201d enters the race as a fresh face in Ghanaian politics. With a reputation for philanthropy and entrepreneurship, his campaign promises a business-driven approach to governance. Bediako pledges to tackle youth unemployment by fostering entrepreneurship, modernizing education, and leveraging Ghana\u2019s vast natural resources for economic empowerment.<\/p>\n

Key issues driving the election<\/strong> for the voters and candidates<\/h3>\n

Economic Recovery<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ghana\u2019s economy is recovering from one of its worst downturns in decades. <\/p>\n

\"Note:
This chart displays Inflation Rate (CPI, annual variation in %) for Ghana from 2016 to 2015.
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Soaring inflation, a devalued currency, and high public debt remain top concerns. Voters are keen to see policies that can stabilize the cedi, create jobs, and ensure fiscal discipline.<\/p>\n

Youth Unemployment<\/strong><\/p>\n

With a rapidly growing youth population, unemployment continues to be a pressing issue. Candidates have outlined various strategies, from industrialization and job creation to promoting entrepreneurship as a path to self-reliance.<\/p>\n

Illegal Mining (Galamsey)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The detrimental effects of illegal gold mining on the environment and communities have been a heated topic throughout the campaign.<\/p>\n

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