The 2024 elec­tions signalled a shift in Gha­na’s electoral landscape, with religion emerg­ing as a decisive factor along­side ethnicity.

The implications of this shift could influence political strategies, voter behaviour, and national cohesion in future elections.

Historically, ethnicity has played a central role in Ghana’s elections.

The NPP draws strong sup­port from the Akan-dominated regions, particularly Ashanti and Eastern, while the NDC has always been favoured by the Ewe-majority of Volta Region, Northern Ghana, and other non-Akan groups.

There have always been floating voters, but the Ghana­ian elections largely depend on these ethnic divides.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s rise as the first Muslim Pres­idential Candidate from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a major party in Ghana, has am­plified religious considerations.

Ghana has a 71 per cent Christian and 19 per cent Muslim population and while religious tolerance is strong, political choices are increasingly reflecting religious identities.

Impact on voter turnout: The 2024 elections saw nearly 800,000 voters abstaining due to religious concerns, particu­larly in regions where religion and ethnicity overlap.

Structural violence in electoral politics: Structural violence refers to systemic bar­riers that disadvantage certain groups. Structural violence manifests strongly in Ghana’s elections.

Political exclusion: Minority ethnic or religious groups often feel sidelined in governance and policy decisions.

Development proj­ects and state resources sometimes favour politically dominant regions, deepening disparities.

Ethnic and religious narratives can be used to manipulate voters, increasing polarisation.

Potential future impli­cations: Parties may need to build broader coalitions beyond traditional ethnic bases, incorporating religious considerations into campaign strategies.

Policy shifts: Future gov­ernments may adopt more inclusive policies to address regional and religious concerns, particularly in education, public appointments, and economic development.

Rise of religious identity pol­itics: If left unchecked, religion could deepen political divisions, creating new fault lines in Gha­na’s democracy.

Civic education: Promote national unity through voter education emphasizing policy over identity politics.

Balanced representation: Ensure political appointments and resource distribution reflect the diversity of Ghana’s popu­lation.

Inter-faith and interethnic dialogue: Political and religious leaders should actively dis­courage division and promote coexistence.

The 2024 elections mark the beginning of a new era where both ethnicity and religion shape voter decisions. Manag­ing these dynamics carefully will be crucial for Ghana’s dem­ocratic stability and national unity.

Policy recommendations to mitigate electoral challenges from ethnicity & religion: To prevent deepening ethnic and religious divisions in Ghana’s elections, strategic policy inter­ventions are necessary. Below are some key policy recom­mendations that can enhance national cohesion, electoral fair­ness, and political inclusivity.

Consider electoral reforms that allow for proportional representation, ensuring that minority groups (ethnic and religious) have a stronger voice in governance.

Balanced presidential ticket: Political parties should adopt a structured approach to ensuring a religious and ethnic balance in their presidential and vice-presidential candidates to foster inclusivity.

The EC should be empow­ered to monitor and curb divi­sive campaign rhetoric centered on religion or ethnicity.

A structured policy ensuring a fair representation of ethnic and religious groups in gov­ernment appointments, public institutions, and development projects.

Avoid the perception of political favouritism in devel­opment projects by equitable resource allocation across all regions.

Reinforce national values in schools: Education should em­phasize national identity over ethnic and religious affiliations to foster unity from an early age.

Conduct mass civic educa­tion campaigns on the dangers of ethnic and religious-based voting.

Use local languages and religious leaders to reach grass­roots communities.

messaging:

The National Media Com­mission (NMC) should enforce strict guidelines against divisive political campaigns and misin­formation.

Interfaith and interethnic dialogue mechanisms:

Political & religious leaders’ forum: Institutionalise peri­odic interfaith and interethnic dialogue forums where key stakeholders discuss national unity issues.

Peace pacts before

elections:

Presidential candidates should commit to non-divisive campaigns through publicly signed peace pacts, with reli­gious and traditional leaders as witnesses.

Economic & social

integration policies: Government infrastructure projects should be balanced and spread equitably across all regions, reducing perceptions of favouritism toward certain ethnic or religious strongholds.

Economic empower

ment in minority re

gions:

Targeted investments in job creation and education in underrepresented ethnic and religious communities to reduce economic disparities that fuel political tensions.

If Ghana is to maintain its democratic stability, policymak­ers must intentionally depoliti­cise ethnicity and religion. There should be reduction in voter apathy, building of national cohesion, and ensuring fair representation in gover­nance.

Dr Sayibu is a seasoned Fi­nancial Economist and Budget Analyst with over 15 years of experience at the U.S. Depart­ment of Defense, specialising in fiscal strategy, economic analysis, and budget optimisa­tion for complex, high-stakes environments.

He has an extensive track record of driving financial effi­ciency, resource allocation, and policy development to support mission-critical operations around the globe.

Dr Sayibu is a Chartered Economist and Financial Man­ager with a multidisciplinary background that has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of financial systems, regulatory frameworks, and strategic decision-making.

Throughout his career, he has successfully led budget planning and execution strat­egies to enhance financial performance as well as in-depth economic analysis to support defense and public sector initiatives for business transfor­mation.

He has served in multiple capacities as a Senior Advi­sor on financial policies, risk management, and regulatory compliance while applying data-driven methodologies to optimise fiscal sustainability and economic forecasting.

Dr Sayibu is passionate about leveraging financial in­sights and strategic foresight to strengthen economic resilience and operational efficiency. His goal is to drive sound financial policies that foster long-term sustainability and innovation in public finance.

His academic credentials include a Doctorate in Finance from Liberty University in the United States; an LLM in Corporate Finance Law from the University of Westminster in London, England; an MBA in Finance from the American University in the United States; and a degree in Business Ad­ministration.

The writer is US-based Fi­nancial Economist & Policy Analyst

BY DR JABIL SAYIBU