In a recent BBC interview, Ghanaian actress and entrepreneur Lydia Forson discussed how the Ghanaian electorate is increasingly moving away from voting along political or tribal lines, especially following the defeat of the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 7 elections.
Forson, speaking with James Copnall on BBC’s Newsday on December 9, 2024, emphasized the growing discernment of the Ghanaian voter. She attributed the NPP’s loss to a lack of accountability, particularly noting that “accountability is one of the main things a lot of young people are angry about.” She acknowledged the presence of a global crisis but pointed out that the worsening economic conditions in Ghana had a much harsher impact on its people. “Now you have a people who are frustrated and they want to be heard,” she said, adding that citizens felt unheard despite their protests.
When asked what the incoming government should focus on to improve life for Ghanaians, Lydia stressed the importance of a leadership that listens. “One of the most important things is having a listening leadership. Because if people are upset about something and they come to you and you tell them ‘don’t talk about it’, or you are not allowed to be angry about it, that is a big problem.” She also highlighted the shifting political landscape, explaining that the election was less about party loyalty and more about the people’s demands. “The electorate is becoming more and more discerning. They are no longer voting necessarily based on tribal lines or loyalty to one fixed party,” she said. Forson made it clear that for the new government, it would not matter whether the people liked them; what mattered was whether they could deliver on their promises.
Lydia also shared how the country’s economic challenges have affected her business. As a producer of natural hair and skin care products, she sources many of her ingredients locally but is still impacted by the devaluation of the cedi. “So when the cedi depreciates, my cost of producing goes up and there is only so much of it you can put on the consumer,” she explained. The economic strain not only hinders her ability to create jobs but also reduces consumer purchasing power. “So now you are trying to create jobs but our ability to create those jobs is hindered by how well the cedi is doing.” Forson added that despite her efforts, her production capacity is limited as people are less inclined to buy luxury products during tough times.
She also expressed the personal challenges of supporting her extended family. “I have family in the village who also depend on you, and the harder things get, the more they depend on you,” she said, reflecting on the wider societal impact of the economic downturn.
Forson’s concerns align with those of other vocal creatives in Ghana, such as rapper M.anifest, who also attributed the NPP’s loss to the widespread anger and hunger among the people.
Though the results of the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary election have yet to be officially confirmed by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has already conceded defeat. In a televised address, Bawumia acknowledged the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its candidate, former President John Dramani Mahama. The Electoral Commission has urged citizens to remain patient while awaiting the official results.
