Ghana President’s Second Coming and Gen Z Expectations
Introduction
Ghana’s 2024 elections marked a turning point in the country’s political landscape, with former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) returning to power after securing an impressive 56.42% of the vote. His opponent, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 41.75% of the vote. This election not only signifies a shift in political leadership but also underscores the growing influence of Generation Z (Gen Z) voters through their expectations from whoever won. The Gen Z voters are the generation of people born between the mid-1990’s and mid -2010’s. Given Ghana’s tumultuous past, with coups and counter coups and the tendency of the older generation to remember atrocities committed, the Gen Z’s have no such learnings and were better able to analyse the benefits accruing to them without biases.
The Emergence of First-Time Voters
The 2024 elections witnessed a surge in participation from first-time voters, predominantly from Gen Z. This demographic, characterised by its digital savviness and commitment to social justice, had a significant influence on the election results. According to Ghana’s Electoral Commission, more than two million young people became eligible to vote, and their involvement was pivotal in shaping the nation’s future.
Gen Z voters bring unique priorities to the table. Their concerns are deeply rooted in issues related to economic opportunities, education, governance, and social justice. With youth unemployment in Ghana exceeding 21% (World Bank, 2024), economic issues were at the forefront of their decision-making. They sought leaders capable of addressing these urgent challenges with practical solutions.
Key Issues Affecting Gen Z Voters
1. Economic Opportunities
Youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge in Ghana, with one in five young people unable to find work. This reality drove Gen Z voters to demand policies that prioritise job creation and economic stability. Their dissatisfaction with the economic management of the previous administration was evident, as they gravitated toward candidates promising tangible reforms. Former President Mahama’s campaign commitments to revitalising the economy and creating sustainable employment resonated strongly with this demographic (Joy Online, 2024).
2. Education
The introduction of the Free Senior High School initiative by the NPP administration improved access to education for many young Ghanaians. However, Gen Z voters demanded more than access; they sought quality education and better skills development opportunities to prepare them for the modern job market. As Mahama promised to invest in technical and vocational training, many young voters saw this as a pathway to enhanced employability (Ghana Education Service, 2024).
3. Governance and Accountability
Gen Z’s low tolerance for corruption and demand for transparent governance shaped their expectations of political leaders. A Transparency International report (2023) highlighted widespread public discontent with corruption under the previous administration, which motivated young voters to push for a leadership change. Mahama’s pledge to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and ensure greater accountability resonated with this group (Ghanaweb, 2024).
4. Social Justice
Issues such as climate change, gender equality, and human rights hold significant importance for Gen Z voters. Ghana’s youth have actively engaged in advocacy for environmental protection and gender inclusivity, as evidenced by recent youth-led climate marches and campaigns for equal rights (UNDP Ghana, 2023). These values influenced their choice of leadership, aligning with candidates who prioritized progressive policies. Additionally, young people prior to the election made demands for strong national action against illegal mining, popularly called galamsey. They recalled the devastating impacts of galamsey and called on the government in power to take strong measures to restore the ecology and water bodies. Sadly, this did not happen and there was a feeling that the new government would be better at resolving this issue.
The Role of Digital Platforms
Gen Z’s digital fluency played a pivotal role in the elections. Social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram became vital tools for political engagement, voter education, and advocacy. According to Datareportal’s 2024 Digital Report, internet penetration in Ghana reached 68%, with over 10 million active social media users. Political parties leveraged these platforms to engage with young voters, but it was the grassroots activism by Gen Z influencers and organizations that amplified critical issues and mobilized voter turnout.
Gen Z’s Expectations for the Mahama Administration
1. Economic Reforms and Job Creation
The new administration faces the daunting task of stabilising Ghana’s economy. Gen Z voters expect President Mahama to deliver on his promises of fiscal discipline, debt management, and job creation. Targeted investments in sectors like agriculture, technology, and tourism could address youth unemployment while driving economic growth (World Economic Forum, 2024).
2. Education and Skills Development
Expanding access to quality education and vocational training remains a top priority for Gen Z. The administration’s commitment to completing abandoned projects, including schools and training centres, is seen as a step in the right direction. Policies aimed at integrating digital literacy and entrepreneurship into the curriculum will be critical for equipping young people with the skills needed in a rapidly evolving job market (UNESCO, 2024).
3. Strengthening Governance and Transparency
Young voters expect Mahama’s administration to prioritise anti-corruption measures and enhance the independence of oversight institutions like the Auditor-General’s Office. Transparent public procurement processes and regular communication on government actions will be essential in rebuilding trust in governance (Transparency International, 2024).
4. Climate Action and Social Equity
With climate change posing a growing threat to Ghana’s agriculture-dependent economy, Gen Z voters anticipate bold climate action from the new administration. Policies promoting renewable energy, reforestation, and sustainable farming practices are high on their agenda. Similarly, advancing gender equality and protecting marginalised communities remain key priorities for this socially conscious demographic (African Union Youth Charter, 2023).
5. Exchange Rate
One of the critical impacts on Ghana’s economy over the years has been the exchange rate, particularly the dollar. Due to the country’s dependence on imports from around the world, the impact of the exchange rate affects the purchasing power of young people and the general cost of goods and services. Pragmatic policies to stabilize the exchange rate would support better planning as well as stabilize the cost of goods and services across board.
Conclusion
The 2024 elections in Ghana mark a watershed moment, driven in large part by the political awakening of Gen Z. This demographic’s active engagement and insistence on accountability, economic reforms, and social justice have reshaped the nation’s political narrative. As President Mahama prepares to lead Ghana once again, the expectations of this influential voting bloc will serve as both a guide and a challenge for his administration. The active participation of Gen Z in Ghana’s electoral process signals a broader trend of youth-driven political transformation. By addressing their concerns and delivering on campaign promises, the Mahama administration has an opportunity to set a new standard for governance. Failure to meet these expectations, however, risks disillusioning a generation that has already demonstrated its determination to hold leaders accountable. The 2024 elections are not just a victory for Mahama and the NDC but a testament to the enduring power of young voices in shaping Ghana’s democratic future.
