Research and data firm, Fitch Solutions predicts that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will defeat the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December 7 general elections.
The London-based firm has consistently forecasted this outcome since last year, noting that 54 per cent of respondents in a recent survey favoured NDC’s candidate, John Mahama, to win the presidential election.
Speaking during the Mid-Year Review for Sub-Saharan Africa, Mike Kruiniger, Associate Director of Country Risk at Fitch Solutions, highlighted that the current economic conditions will significantly influence voter decisions on December 7.
He emphasized that economic management and job creation are the most critical issues for voters, which may disadvantage the NPP given the economic challenges the country has faced in recent years.
“We believe that the opposition NDC has a stronger chance of winning the upcoming general elections compared to the ruling NPP. Recent polls consistently place the NDC ahead with the most recent survey showing 54 % of respondents favouring the NDC.
“In addition, multiple surveys have shown that economic management and job creation are going to be the most important issues during the election for voters which we believe will put the ruling NPP at a disadvantage given the economic challenges that the country has faced over the last couple of years.”
Additionally, Kruiniger explained that a potential NDC government under Mahama is likely to continue the policy direction initiated by the current administration.
“In terms of what a government change will mean for the economy, we think that policy direction under a likely NDC government will not largely change.
“The NDC will most likely stick to Ghana’s IMF programme particularly as the party has shown commitment in the past to international agreements and obligations. So in summary, we expect policy continuation in Ghana despite a likely government change,” he stressed.