Over three decades into Ghana’s Fourth Republic, one truth continues to emerge with remarkable consistency: religious identity has little to no bearing on electoral outcomes.
Despite the deep religiosity of Ghanaian society, elections have been won and lost not on the basis of faith, but on the strength of political strategy, party machinery, and the competence or charisma of the candidates involved.
A careful analysis of Ghana’s presidential elections from 1992 to 2024 confirms this. While religious balance on presidential tickets has often been cited as a sign of national inclusivity, it has never been the decisive factor in determining victory at the polls.
Let’s consider the record.
The NPP’s Religious Inclusion – A Case Study in Strategy, Not Sentiment
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has a proven history of acknowledging Ghana’s religious diversity; consistently fielding Muslim running mates or candidates: Alhaji Roland Issifu Alhassan in 1992, Alhaji Aliu Mahama in 2000 and 2004, and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia from 2008 through 2024. In fact, in 2024, the NPP made history by presenting the first Muslim presidential candidate of a major party; Dr. Bawumia.
Despite this inclusive record, the NPP didn’t win in 1992, 1996, 2008, or 2012. Clearly, having a Muslim on the ticket did not translate into guaranteed victory, just as not having one didn’t spell defeat for other parties.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has largely fielded Christian-Christian tickets across elections, has won multiple times: in 1992, 1996, 2008, 2012, and 2024. In 2004, the NDC made its only attempt at a Christian-Muslim ticket with Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni as vice-presidential candidate, and still lost.
This trend underscores a core reality: religious balancing, though symbolically important, does not determine who becomes president in Ghana.
What Actually Wins Elections in Ghana? Strategy
What then determines electoral victory? The answer is clear: political tactics, strategic communication, and strong party organisation. Whether it is a strong party presenting a strong candidate or a strong party carrying a weaker candidate, it is political strategy, not religious appeal, that carries the day.
In 2000, the NPP presented John Agyekum Kufuor, widely seen as an experienced, likeable figure with a disciplined team behind him. The NPP was ascending, organised, and unified. Result: Victory.
In 2008, the NDC’s candidate, Prof John Evans Atta Mills, rode on public dissatisfaction with the ruling NPP and executed a well-coordinated campaign. Result: Victory.
In 2016, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo returned with a sharpened message, grassroots momentum, and a tired incumbent party in disarray. Result: A landslide victory for the NPP, not because of any religious factor, but due to strategic dominance.
In 2024, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s historic candidacy as a Muslim presidential hopeful for the NPP will test not Ghana’s religious sentiment, but rather the party’s ability to present a coherent message, respond to the public mood, and mobilise effectively. If the NPP had won, it wouldn’t have been because Dr Bawumia is Muslim, but because they ran the better campaign. The result was a historic defeat.
Religious Sentiment vs Political Reality
Ghanaians vote on competence, relatability, message, and party loyalty; not on the religion of a candidate. The political arena in Ghana is not tribalistic or sectarian in the way some other democracies have experienced. While religion is a powerful personal and social force in Ghana, it does not drive electoral behavior in any significant way.
In fact, parties that have tried to exploit religious divisions have often faced backlash from voters who cherish national unity over sectarian politics.
Conclusion: It’s Strategy, Not Sect
From 1992 to 2024, Ghanaian elections have consistently shown that what matters is not who prays where, but who has the better plan, message, and organisation. Whether it’s a Christian-Christian ticket or a Muslim-Christian pairing, victory at the polls has always gone to those who mastered the game of political tactics.
Religious inclusion remains important for national unity and symbolic representation, but when it comes to winning elections in Ghana, strategy reigns supreme.
