Ghana’s former President John Mahama wins election
Al JazeeraDEC 2024
Ghana: John Mahama Wins Presidential Election
Above: John Mahama following an interview in Accra, Ghana, on Nov. 6, 2024. Image copyright: Ernest Ankomah/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Mahama's win isn't a surprise. Economic mismanagement under Pres. Nana Akufo-Addo led to Ghana's worst financial crisis in a generation, with soaring inflation, currency depreciation, and a debt default that led to an International Monetary Fund bailout. Ghana's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, illegal gold mining, and environmental degradation forced frustrated voters to look for an alternative.
Narrative B
Nana's administration implemented transformative policies, including free education and digital initiatives. It maintained political stability in a volatile region, but external factors like COVID and global economic pressures undermined these achievements. Mahama's previous tenure was marred by a severe energy crisis and corruption scandals. It will be no different this time around.