Ghana Elections 2024: Who are the candidates?

Ghana's December 7, 2024, presidential election features a diverse slate of candidates, led by seasoned politicians and notable public figures. This year’s election will be keenly contested by thirteen (13) candidates, with nine (9) of them representing political parties and four as independent candidates.

Leading the race in this crowded field are Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (incumbent) and former President John Dramani Mahama, who is still vying for a return to office after defeats in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Several opinion polls have also highlighted former government Minister, Alan Kyerematen and businessman Nana Kwame Bediako as strong contenders capable of pushing the election into a second round.

As the election approaches, we examine the presidential candidates vying for Ghana’s top job and the key policies they seek to implement when voted into office on December 7.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (New Patriotic Party - NPP)

Mahamudu Bawumia, Presidential Candidate, NPP

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 61, is Ghana's current Vice President and the presidential candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). An economist by profession, Bawumia’s political career began in 2008 when he was chosen by President Akufo-Addo as his running mate. Although the pair lost both 2008 and 2012 election, with the later ending up in the country’s Supreme Court, they won on their third attempt in 2016, making Bawumia the Vice President of Ghana.

As vice president, Dr. Bawumia built a reputation for spearheading transformative initiatives, such as Ghana’s ID system (the Ghana card), mobile money interoperability system and Ghana’s digital addressing system. He also played a pivotal role in financial sector reforms, including the controversial banking sector clean-up, which cost the state GH¢21 billion according to the government’s own records.

Bawumia’s 2024 campaign focuses on deepening Ghana’s digital economy, creating jobs, and achieving macroeconomic stability. However, his candidacy has faced criticism regarding the current administration’s handling of inflation, debt sustainability, and economic hardship. Supporters argue that his continuity will ensure recovery from economic challenges, while detractors question the feasibility of his promises, especially given public discontent with the state of the economy under his leadership as the head of the country’s economic management team.

John Dramani Mahama (National Democratic Congress - NDC)

John Mahama, Presidential Candidate, NDC

John Mahama, 65, served as a former president of Ghana from 2012–2017. He initially served as Vice President under Prof. John Evans Atta Mills from 2009 to 2012, assuming the presidency upon Mills’ death and subsequently winning the 2012 election. Despite significant investment in the Ghana’s physical infrastructure in his first term, the country faced a major power crisis and economic difficulties leading to defeat in his reelection bid in the 2016 election.

Mahama is contesting for the presidency for the fourth time as presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after losing his third attempt to incumbent Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the 2020 election.

His 2024 campaign focuses on social welfare, restoring public trust in government institutions, and creating employment opportunities for the youth through his flagship policy, the 24-hour economy. According to the NDC, the concept of a 24-hour economy aims to boost economic activity by enabling businesses and industries to operate around the clock through strategic investments in infrastructure, such as improving transportation systems, energy supply, and digital connectivity. Mahama has also pledged to expand access to education and improve healthcare.

However, critics question whether his administration can deliver these promises, given that similar challenges existed during his previous tenure.

Alan Kyerematen (Independent Candidate)

Alan Kyerematen, Independent Candidate

Alan Kyerematen, 69, is an independent candidate and leader of the Movement for Change (MFC). Although a founder and former Trade and Industry Minister under two successive NPP governments, Kyerematen broke away to form the MFC in September 2023 offering what he describes as a fresh approach to governance.

His campaign champions the “Great Transformational Plan,” focusing on industrialization, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation. On the campaign trail, Kyerematen highlights his role as the architect of the "One District, One Factory" initiative as evidence of his commitment to promote local manufacturing and job creation.

While he seeks to position himself as a third-force candidate to challenge Ghana’s political duopoly, critics argue that his departure from the NPP appears opportunistic, given the benefits he gained from the same system he now criticizes.

Nana Kwame Bediako (Independent Candidate)

Nana Kwame Bediako, Independent Candidate

Nana Kwame Bediako, 44, is a businessman and philanthropist running as an independent candidate. Known for his wealth and social influence, Bediako unexpectedly shot onto the scene in January 2024 announcing the formation of The New Force movement.

His policy framework “The 12 Pillars for Economic Freedom” focuses on economic transformation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. He promises to tackle unemployment and the country’s infrastructure challenges through public-private partnerships.

Despite his charisma and financial resources, critics have expressed concerns over lack of political experience and the viability of his policy proposals.

Other Presidential Candidates

Other candidates in the election include:

• Christian Kwabena Andrews of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
• Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC)
• Daniel Augustus Lartey of the Great Consolidated People’s Party (GCPP)
• George Twum-Barimah-Adu (Independent Candidate)
• Mohammed Frimpong of the National Democratic Party (NDP)
• Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)
• Kofi Koranteng (Independent Candidate)
• Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong Kumankuma, the sole female candidate following the passing of Akua Donkor a month before the polls.

Follow Ghana's general election on Twitter @ghanaelections