For decades, Ghana’s electoral landscape has been defined by strongholds—regions that consistently favour one of the two main political parties.
The Volta Region has been a solid base for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while the Ashanti Region has long supported the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Since 1992, the NDC has won around 80% of votes in Volta, while the NPP has secured about 73% in Ashanti, reflecting deep party loyalty.
However, swing regions like Greater Accra, Central, and Western have become increasingly crucial in determining election outcomes.
In the 2024 elections, these regions proved pivotal, especially Greater Accra, a key bellwether.
Historically, the region has flipped between the NPP and NDC, with both parties winning national elections based on Greater Accra’s vote.
This ongoing shift in voter preferences highlights the growing influence of swing regions, where electoral outcomes now often hinge on changing political dynamics.
The 2024 presidential election in Ghana witnessed significant shifts as several regions that were previously strongholds for one party flipped in favour of the opposing party.
This change in voter sentiment is a reflection of the evolving political dynamics and the growing influence of key swing regions.
Below is a breakdown of the regions that flipped during the 2024 election:
Greater Accra Region
Traditionally considered a battleground for national elections, Greater Accra showed a notable shift in 2024. While the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has historically performed strongly, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) gained a majority in 2020 and solidified its hold in 2024.
The region’s urban electorate continues to reflect evolving political trends, making its influence pivotal in shaping national outcomes.
Ahafo Region
In 2020, the NPP secured victory in Ahafo with 55.04% to the NDC’s 44.04%. However, the 2024 elections saw the region flip to the NDC, signalling a shift in voter sentiment and priorities.
Bono Region
The NPP dominated the Bono Region in 2020, but the tables turned in 2024, with the NDC winning convincingly. This change underscores growing voter dissatisfaction and changing dynamics in traditionally NPP-leaning areas.
Central Region
Once a stronghold for the NPP, the Central Region delivered 52.2% to the NPP in 2020. However, the 2024 elections marked a dramatic flip, with voters favouring the NDC.
This shift highlighted changing priorities among the electorate and the NDC’s increasing appeal in both urban and rural communities.
Western Region
Traditionally leaning toward the NPP, the Western Region saw significant gains for the NDC in 2024. The party’s inroads across key constituencies reflected a broader shift in regional dynamics, driven by local concerns and voter realignments.
These flips in key regions are indicative of a larger shift in the political landscape, with voters increasingly aligning with the party they believe can address their concerns.
The outcome of these regions played a critical role in the overall results of the 2024 presidential election, highlighting the importance of swing regions in shaping the country’s political future.