ACCRA: Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is in the midst of its primary elections today to determine its candidate for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The current President, Nana Akufo-Addo, who has served two terms, will be stepping down, creating an opportunity for a new leader to emerge.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, a former central bank official, has emerged as an early front-runner in the race, according to analysts and pollsters. This primary election is the first of two rounds, with party delegates selecting five out of the top ten candidates. The final round of voting, scheduled for November 4, will decide the NPP’s official candidate for the December 2024 presidential contest.
Apart from Vice President Bawumia, the field includes two other prominent contenders: Alan Kyerematen, a former trade minister, and Kennedy Agyapong, a well-known lawmaker, as reported by analysts.
Leadership Transition in Ghana
Local pollster Ben Ephson noted, “Bawumia is the most marketable aspirant and he seems to have a lot of support among the super delegates.” Bawumia’s track record as vice president and his economic background have reportedly positioned him strongly in the race.
Results from the nationwide voting to select the top five candidates are anticipated to be announced later this afternoon.
The timing of this leadership transition is significant as Ghana grapples with a significant economic crisis, prompting the nation to secure a $3 billion loan deal with the International Monetary Fund to address its debt burden.
If Vice President Bawumia secures the NPP candidacy, he could potentially become the first Muslim leader of the ethnically Akan-dominated party. The NPP, historically led by non-Muslims and Akan-speaking candidates, has seen a change in dynamics with Bawumia’s candidacy, emphasizing his prominence as a non-Akan aspirant.
While Bawumia’s camp highlights his proven record both in opposition and in government, some within the NPP, like Carlos Ahenkorah, a party lawmaker and spokesperson for Kyerematen, express reservations about electing a sitting vice president amidst recent economic challenges.
