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The December 2024 elections in Ghana have once again cemented the country’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in West Africa. With a decisive victory for former President John Dramani Mahama, who defeated the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s candidate and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana has delivered a masterclass in democratic practice.
As Sierra Leone navigates its own electoral challenges, the lessons from Ghana’s election offer a vital roadmap for strengthening democratic institutions and fostering political accountability.
One of the most striking aspects of Ghana’s election was the efficiency with which results were declared. Despite a voter register of 18.7 million—far larger than Sierra Leone’s estimated 3.4 million—Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) announced results within 48 to 72 hours of polls closing. This transparency was bolstered by the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO)’s Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT), which independently verified the results.
The EC’s chairperson, Jean Adukwei Mensa, consistently emphasised the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability, a stance that has earned public trust. In Sierra Leone, delays in announcing results and the absence of mechanisms like #PVT often sow distrust and fuel suspicions of foul play. Adopting Ghana’s approach, including leveraging #technology and independent verification systems, could greatly enhance confidence in Sierra Leone’s Electoral Commission.
Vice President Bawumia’s concession, even before the official declaration by the EC, demonstrated the grace and maturity critical to a healthy democracy. Relying on his party’s internal data, Bawumia accepted defeat and congratulated Mahama, defusing potential tensions. In Sierra Leone, opposition parties frequently lack their own parallel tallying systems, leaving them unable to substantiate claims of irregularities. This reliance solely on the Electoral Commission undermines their credibility and weakens their ability to hold the system accountable.
Sierra Leone’s political class must embrace Bawumia’s example of statesmanship. The willingness to accept electoral outcomes, even in defeat, is essential for democratic stability.
While Ghana’s elections were not without incidents—tragically, two lives were lost—the overall atmosphere was peaceful. This was largely due to the professional conduct of security forces. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) played a supportive role, providing standby assistance without being stationed at polling stations, leaving the primary responsibility for election security with the Ghana Police Service. This neutrality fostered public trust in the process.
In Sierra Leone, however, accusations of partisanship and excessive force by security agencies have marred recent elections. Building trust in law enforcement requires clear, neutral mandates for security personnel and robust pre-election engagement with all stakeholders to prevent tensions from escalating.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s victory was bolstered by its cohesive strategy and access to polling stations nationwide, allowing it to gather independent data and build trust in the process. In Sierra Leone, opposition parties often face restricted access in certain regions, which exacerbates suspicions of electoral malpractice. Ensuring that all political parties have equal access to polling stations is crucial for fostering accountability and public confidence.
Moreover, the fragmented nature of Sierra Leone’s opposition parties weakens their electoral prospects. Ghana’s opposition demonstrated the power of unity in capitalising on public discontent. For Sierra Leone, presenting a united front with clear policy alternatives could be the difference between success and failure.
The NPP’s defeat was a direct response to Ghana’s economic crisis, characterised by inflation, unemployment, and a depreciating currency. Voters held the government accountable for their economic hardship, despite criticisms of Mahama’s prior tenure. This underscores a critical lesson: governance must deliver tangible results. Citizens will not tolerate unmet promises, no matter how compelling the rhetoric.
For Sierra Leone, where economic struggles also dominate the political landscape, addressing the immediate needs of citizens—such as food security, job creation, and cost of living—is imperative. Leaders must prioritise visible, measurable improvements over long-term projections.
Ghana’s 2024 election marks a historic milestone with the country set to have its first female Vice President, @NJOAgyemang a significant step forward for gender representation in leadership. While the election included two female presidential candidates and saw an increase in the number of women in parliament from 29 to 35, gender parity remains a challenge in both Ghana and Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (#GEWE) Act promises much-needed progress by mandating 30% representation for women in leadership roles, but its implementation will be the true test of its impact. Both nations have room to grow in ensuring women’s voices are fully represented in their political systems
Unlike the rushed inauguration ceremonies often seen in Sierra Leone, Ghana’s president-elect will be sworn in on 7 January 2025, respecting constitutional timelines. This orderly transition not only underscores the importance of institutional integrity in reinforcing public trust but also demonstrates the deliberate efforts of Ghanaian leadership to prioritize national unity over partisan or individual interests. President-elect John Dramani Mahama has set up a transition team and in a recent statement he called for calm, urging the #youth to channel their frustrations positively, and condemning any form of lawlessness. This further exemplifies the maturity of Ghana’s democratic culture. His emphasis on the need for a peaceful and transparent transition reflects a deep understanding of the role leadership plays in shaping the nation’s democratic stability. Sierra Leone must draw lessons from Ghana’s example. A well-planned, transparent transition fosters public trust and strengthens the democratic foundation of a nation. It signals to citizens and the international community that power is not just a privilege, but a responsibility managed with accountability and foresight.
Ghana’s 2024 elections provide an invaluable blueprint for Sierra Leone and other nations seeking to strengthen their democratic systems. From timely and transparent results to peaceful transitions and economic accountability, the lessons are clear – build trust in institutions, empower opposition parties, respect timelines, and prioritise citizens’ needs.
As Sierra Leone prepares for its next election cycle, it must reflect on these lessons to advance its democratic journey. Ghana’s example reminds us that democracy thrives when leaders respect the will of the people, deliver on their promises, and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. For Sierra Leone, this is not just an aspiration but a necessity for its democratic future.
