The Ghanaian Voter and the 2008 General Election

ABSTRACT

Why do Ghanaian voters who vote for co-ethnics do so? Analysing survey and interview data drawn from segments of the voting population, the article demonstrates that the electorates vote for their ethnic group candidates because they believe in their ability to solve the prevailing economic problems of the country in terms of improving their living standards and delivering development projects to their constituencies. Ethnic voting, therefore, is not an end in itself rather it is a means to an end. The article notes that ethnic voting is relevant to the extent that it is directly linked to the economy and development projects. Ethnic voting contributes to democratic growth rather than disintegrating multiparty politics. It allows politicians and their parties to rely on ethnic groups for constant supply of votes thereby fostering regular mass/electorates’ participation in the electoral and democratic process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. The choice of respondents in the survey follows Afrobarometer Survey method that uses a clustered, stratified, multi-stage, area probability sample design and random selection methods that allows inferences to national adult populations with a margin of sampling error of no more than plus or minus 3% with a confidence level of 95%. This method is also consistent with the Ghana Statistical Service Household Survey method of stratification based on location of residence, among others.

2. Interestingly, all interviewees also said they regarded ethnic voting as a fundamental election issue.

3. These figures represent the 56% that voted for co-ethnics only.

4. Respondents and interviewees in Ayawaso West Wuogon and Trobu-Amasaman said they favoured their co-ethnics on the ballot paper.

5. The interviewees disclosed that they voted for the NPP and NDC based on the ethnic identification, which the two parties symbolise.

6. The respondents and interviewees were blunt to say that the NDC and NPP candidates represent Ewe-Akan division in the body politic.

7. Of the 20 interviewees, 17 said they voted for their coethnics based on the economic issues in the election year.

8. It underscores voters’ conscious choice of their co-ethnics.

9. This is an observation made by some of the key informants/interviewees.

10. According to some interviewees, Atta-Mills’ election victory indicates that voters were dissatisfied with the poor performance of the incumbent’s economic management.

11. Many interviewees believed in this traditional African philosophy.

12. Interviewees believe that their co-ethnics were capable of promoting development projects in their communities.

13. This is the general view shared by respondents and interviewees.