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.

The NDC’s (National Democratic Congress) 2024 campaign song, produced by Nacee, has been released and is generating buzz across social media platforms.

The song was officially released with announcements from key NDC figures like Sammy Gyamfi, the party’s Communication Director, who described it as a “banger”. There’s a clear enthusiasm from the party and its supporters, with posts on X indicating that it’s seen as a catchy and popular tune intended to rally support for John Mahama and the NDC’s policies for the 2024 elections.

The song is being celebrated by party loyalists. The use of terms like “banger” suggests it’s perceived as a hit among the NDC’s fanbase, aiming to energize voters and perhaps even sway undecided ones with its upbeat and promising message of change and victory.

There are criticisms suggesting that the political climate in Ghana might view such campaign songs with a degree of skepticism. One post highlighted the non-serious nature of political campaign songs, indicating that while the song might resonate well with party supporters, there’s a broader perspective that sees political music as more entertainment than serious political messaging.

The song focuses on championing John Mahama and the NDC’s policies, aiming to instill a sense of optimism and unity among supporters. The involvement of Nacee, a known gospel music producer and NDC supporter, adds a layer of authenticity to the campaign, leveraging his influence in the music scene to enhance the song’s reach and impact.

Given this information, the song appears to be a hit within the NDC’s circles and among those who appreciate political campaign music, but its effectiveness in influencing the broader electorate might still be under debate. The enthusiasm from within the party and its supporters might translate into increased visibility and voter engagement, but broader public opinion could vary, reflecting on the general perception of campaign songs in political discourse.

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.