As of Wednesday, August 27, 2024, a total of 27 individuals and 12 political parties have obtained nomination forms to join the presidential race. Despite the large number of hopefuls, it seems more like a gamble than a serious evaluation of leadership prospects. Historically, only two political parties—the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP)—have dominated the presidency since Ghana returned to constitutional rule in 1993.
These two parties have alternated power, each serving for eight years at a time. Other political groups have appeared on the presidential ballot but have largely been overshadowed or absorbed into the larger parties.
For example, the NDC formed alliances in 1992 and 1996 with smaller parties like the Egle Party, the National Convention Party, and the Democratic People’s Party. Similarly, the NPP partnered with the People’s Convention Party (PCP) to form the Great Alliance, which helped them win the presidency in 2000.
Since then, smaller political parties have struggled to maintain a significant foothold in the political arena. As of 2016, only the NDC and NPP have managed to secure seats in the legislature, leaving little room for other parties to break through.
The 12 political parties that have obtained nomination forms include:
- New Patriotic Party (NPP)
- National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Convention People’s Party (CPP)
- Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
- Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP)
- All People’s Congress (APC)
- People’s National Convention (PNC)
- Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)
- Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
- National Democratic Party (NDP)
- Ghana Freedom Party (GFP)
- Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG)
Independent presidential aspirants
Independent aspirants who have received passcodes from the Electoral Commission (EC) include:
- George Twum-Barim-Adu
- Samuel Apea-Danquah
- Alan K. Kyerematen
- Nana Kwame Bediako
- Jacob Osei Yeboah
- Richard Sumah
- Kofi Koranteng
- Desmond Abrefa
- Dr Agnes Ayisha
- Dr Nii Amu Darko
- Wilberforce Andrews
- Nana Stephens
- Rev. Samuel Worlanyo
- T. K. Amenya
- Robert Roy Reindorf
- Paul Perkoh
- Seth Ntim Agyarko
- Stephen Atubiga
- Janet Asana Nabla
- Sam Ankrah
- Nana Ohene Aggrey Bentsil Djan
- Tom Asiseh
- Kenneth Kwame Asamoah
- Tawiah N. Hemans
- Muhammad Abdullah
- James Kwasi Oppong
- Isaac Wiafe Ofori
Disqualified candidates may appeal the EC’s decision. The final list of qualified candidates will be announced after the completion of the nomination period.
