Impact of ethnicity, religion on Ghana's elections
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