The astronomical increases in prices, rather than the power outages would impact these elections. Since 2022, Ghanaians have been grappling with acute inflation that has left the average Ghanaian in tatters.
Prices of food and cost of transportation are the most palpable impacts on the Ghanaian. Those at these biting ends constitute the bulk of the Ghanaian electorate.
The inflation has exacerbated the pressure on Ghana’s vulnerable groups especially those already in the throes of urban poverty.
Looking into the crystal ball, it does seem unlikely die-hard supporters of NPP and NDC, Ghana’s dominant political parties, would shift positions. Floaters who are consistently with either side might however experiment with changes to wriggle out of the economic noose of taxation and soaring prices. The measures are part of the IMF’s dictation to help heal the economy.
For the incumbent to be in contention in these hard elections, it must do well in northern parts of the country, Greater Accra and Central regions. The last two are not likely to come easy as they harbour most floating voters. It means the NPP must work harder.
On the other hand, the NDC has to do well in the NPP’s stronghold of Ashanti to complement swing regions where they have momentum.
Reports say the New Force is winning youthful souls who identify the leader, Cheddar, as one of them. The party which considers itself as the third force to break the duopoly of the major parties is seeking to change the dynamics of strongholds to send the elections into a runoff. The Action for Revolutionary Change says it can win any runoff against either NPP or NDC on the crest wave of change.
So far the governing party, NPP, has been reserved as the polls nears. With its cracked election machine, it appears the party is studying the various actors to determine its next step. Would NPP be broken at 8 or it would break the 8 in the crucial 2024 elections? No easy ride in the storm.