The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, says Ghana’s next general election could mark an important shift in political strategy, noting that the expected absence of President John Dramani Mahama from the ballot will reshape the dynamics for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, April 22, Mr Awuku pointed to what he described as a pattern in Ghanaian presidential contests, where long-standing candidates eventually withdraw, forcing their parties to realign.
According to the MP, President Mahama has been a dominant figure on the ballot in multiple elections, including 2012, 2016, and 2024.
“This popular NDC politician will not be on the ballot in 2028,” Mr Awuku said, suggesting that his absence would create both a challenge and an opportunity for the party.
Mr Awuku contrasted the situation with that of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following the departure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo from presidential contests.
He noted that Akufo-Addo contested elections in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, becoming one of the most recognisable political figures of his generation before opting out of the 2024 election.
Mr Awuku added that his exit forced the NPP to present what he described as “a new candidate” to the electorate, requiring the party to build recognition and support from the ground up.
The MP stated that political campaigning in Ghana is often misinterpreted, with too much emphasis placed on visible campaign tools such as billboards and branded merchandise.
“Political marketing is not just the billboards and the T-shirts,” he explained. “The actual marketing is on the ballot.”
Mr Awuku indicated that voter decisions are influenced less by campaign visibility and more by the candidate’s identity, credibility, and perceived readiness for office at the point of voting.