Recent polls in Ghana ahead of the December 2024 elections indicate varying results regarding the lead between Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Polls by Outcomes International have shown Dr. Bawumia leading with 49.4% of the votes, with John Mahama close behind at 45.1%. This data was collected between August and September 2024, suggesting a very tight race. Dr. Bawumia is projected to win in 11 out of the 16 regions, indicating a strong regional support base.

In their latest poll from November 2024, shows John Mahama maintaining a significant lead with 51.9%, while Dr. Bawumia stands at 40.5%. This poll reflects a recent snapshot of voter sentiment, highlighting John Mahama’s steady lead.

Some posts suggest that Dr. Bawumia has taken the lead with around 50.57%, indicating a possible shift in voter preference or at least a close contest in public perception. These polls and social media insights underline the dynamic nature of voter preferences in Ghana’s upcoming election, with a significant portion of the electorate still undecided, potentially swaying the outcome in the final weeks.

The contest remains closely fought, with both candidates having strong regional bases and national appeal.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is the Vice President of Ghana and the flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has proposed a comprehensive tax amnesty policy aimed at stimulating economic recovery and fostering job creation. This initiative, often referred to as a “Tax Amnesty Stimulus Programme for Jobs,” involves several key components.

Individuals and businesses will benefit from the forgiveness of prior years’ unpaid taxes. This measure is intended to provide a clean slate, encouraging tax compliance and economic participation. Alongside the principal tax forgiveness, all accrued penalties and interest on these unpaid taxes will also be waived. The policy is designed not only to encourage those who have been evading taxes to come forward but also to inject liquidity into the economy by freeing up capital that might have been held back due to tax liabilities.

This, in turn, is expected to stimulate investment, enhance business operations, and consequently lead to job creation. Dr. Bawumia has committed to implementing this policy in 2025 if he wins the presidential elections. The timing aligns with broader tax reforms he envisions, including transitioning to a flat rate tax system, which aims to simplify tax structures and make tax obligations more predictable for businesses.

There’s been positive reception from business communities and certain segments of the public, as indicated by sentiments on platforms like X, where the policy is seen as a bold step towards economic revitalization. However, the full impact and detailed mechanics of how this amnesty will be rolled out, including potential exclusions or specific conditions, haven’t been exhaustively.

This tax amnesty proposal represents a significant economic policy aimed at addressing tax compliance issues, stimulating economic activity, and promoting job growth in Ghana. However, the effectiveness and long-term implications of such a policy would depend on numerous factors, including how it’s administered, the economic conditions at the time of implementation, and the behavioral response from businesses and individuals.