Dr Kwame Asah Asante, a political scientist at the University of Ghana, says the economy and unemployment will be the key issues determining the outcome of the election.
He said the economy would be voters’ central consideration, warning that any loss of control over it could have serious electoral consequences.
“The economy is voters’ foremost consideration. Once you lose control of it, you lose the vote, regardless of who you are,” he said on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday, October 10.
Dr Asah Asante also linked the New Patriotic Party’s decision to elect Kwadwo Bamba as First Vice Chair to concerns within the party about electoral security.
He said the choice suggested that the NPP was focused on protecting the party during elections. However, he added that it remained unclear whether improved security would ultimately determine the result of the next general election.
“The NPP voted for Kojo Bamba because they have concerns about the protection of their ballots on election day. Security is very important, but the economy and unemployment will determine the outcome,” he said.
Mr Bamba was recently elected First National Vice Chairman of the NPP at the party’s National Delegates Conference. He defeated several other contenders for the position.
His election has since prompted controversy. Critics have argued that his previous conviction should have disqualified him from contesting an executive position within the party.
Dr Asah Asante nevertheless maintained that economic conditions and joblessness would carry greater weight with voters than questions surrounding electoral protection.
