The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has indicated that Ghana’s 2028 general election could introduce a significant shift in political strategy, particularly for the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC), due to the anticipated absence of John Dramani Mahama from the presidential ballot.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, 22 April, Awuku observed that Ghanaian presidential elections often follow a pattern in which long-standing candidates eventually exit the race, compelling their parties to recalibrate. He noted that Mahama has been a central figure in multiple elections, including 2012, 2016, and 2024, making his expected absence in 2028 a pivotal development.
Awuku argued that this transition would present both challenges and opportunities for the NDC, as the party would need to reposition itself without a candidate of longstanding national recognition. He drew a parallel with the experience of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following the withdrawal of Nana Akufo-Addo from presidential contests.
Akufo-Addo contested elections in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, becoming one of the most prominent political figures in Ghana before stepping aside ahead of the 2024 election. Awuku explained that his departure required the NPP to introduce a new candidate and invest significantly in building public recognition and support.
According to Awuku, political campaigning in Ghana is frequently misconstrued as being driven primarily by visible campaign tools such as billboards and branded merchandise. He contended that the decisive factor lies in the ballot itself, where voters ultimately evaluate the candidate’s identity, credibility, and perceived readiness for leadership.
