Ghanaian actress and entrepreneur Lydia Forson recently shared her thoughts with the BBC on the shifting dynamics of Ghana’s electoral decisions. In an interview on December 9, 2024, with James Copnall on BBC Newsday, she highlighted how voters in Ghana are moving away from political and tribal loyalties, choosing instead to focus on pressing issues like accountability.
This shift, she noted, was evident in the recent December 7 election, where the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost to the opposition. Forson attributed the defeat to a lack of accountability and growing frustration among the youth. “Accountability is one of the key issues angering young people,” she said. She acknowledged that while global economic challenges exist, Ghana’s economy has been hit harder, exacerbating public discontent. “People feel unheard—they are protesting and expressing frustration, but they don’t believe their concerns are being addressed.”
When asked what the incoming government should prioritize, Forson emphasized the need for leaders who listen to citizens’ grievances. “A listening leadership is essential. When people are upset and express their concerns, dismissing or silencing them is a huge problem,” she remarked. She observed that the recent election was more about addressing the needs of the populace than supporting a particular political party. “The electorate is becoming increasingly discerning, moving away from voting along tribal lines or blind party loyalty. For this new government, it’s not about being liked; it’s about delivering on promises. If they don’t, they will be held accountable.”
Forson also discussed how Ghana’s economic challenges have affected her business. As the founder of a natural hair and skincare brand, she relies on both locally sourced and imported ingredients. However, the depreciation of the cedi has significantly increased her production costs, limiting her ability to expand and create jobs. “There’s only so much of the cost you can pass on to consumers. When your products are seen as non-essential or luxurious, it becomes even harder to sell. And then you have extended family members depending on you—things just get tougher,” she explained.
Joining Forson on the show, Ghanaian rapper M.anifest shared a similar sentiment, attributing the NPP’s loss to widespread “anger” and “hunger” among citizens.
Although the Electoral Commission of Ghana has not yet officially declared the December 7 election results, the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has conceded defeat. In a public address from his residence, he acknowledged the victory of former president John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and thanked Ghanaians for allowing him to serve as vice president and a presidential candidate.
Source: TheDotNews