Ghana election 2024: As Ghana prepares to elect its next president in the upcoming Ghana elections in 2024, one citizenโs story encapsulates the nationโs economic frustrations. Meet Nathaniel Qainoo, a 29-year-old former accountant turned mechanic, who has lost hope in his countryโs future.
A Nation in Crisis: Ghanaโs Economic Woes
- Unemployment Rate:ย 14%
- Inflation Rate (2022):ย 54%
- Currency Depreciation (past 8 years):ย 70%
โI donโt know how this country is going to be saved from this crisis,โ Qainoo says, echoing the sentiments of many young Ghanaians. The economic downturn has led to a brain drain, with many seeking opportunities abroad.
The Presidential Candidatesโ Economic Visions
Two main contenders, Mahamudu Bawumia and John Mahama, have outlined their economic plans:
Bawumiaโs โDigital Economyโ Promise
- Key Initiative:ย Skills training for 1 million young people
- Goal:ย Stimulate economic growth through a digital economy hub
- Expert Analysis:ย โBawumiaโs digitalization push is his biggest electoral drawcard,โ says Dr. Clement Sefa Nyarko, a Ghanaian political analyst.
Mahamaโs โ24-Hour Economyโ Proposal
- Key Initiative:ย Creating night-time jobs in public and private sectors
- Goal:ย Make Ghana a โ24-hour economy,โ akin to prosperous nations like the US and UK
- Criticisms:ย Mahamaโs past record on corruption and electricity crises has raised doubts about his ability to โresetโ the economy.
Easing the Cost-of-Living Crisis: A Shared Promise
Both candidates have vowed to scrap unpopular taxes, including the electronic levy on mobile transactions and the carbon emissions levy. However, economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin warns that fulfilling this promise may create a โfiscal gapโ under the IMF-backed economic recovery program.
Conclusion:
As Ghana heads to the polls, the outcome is far from certain. Will Bawumiaโs โdigital economyโ or Mahamaโs โ24-hour economyโ vision prevail? One thing is clear: the next president must address the economic hardships faced by citizens like Nathaniel Qainoo.
Share your thoughts on the Ghana election 2024 and the countryโs economic future in the comments below.
