Professor William Baah-Boateng, Vice Chancellor of Methodist University Ghana and a respected labour economist, has identified the state of the economy as the decisive factor that shaped voter behaviour in Ghana’s 2024 presidential elections, ultimately influencing the outcome of the polls.
Speaking on the WTV Morning Show, Sore Na Hyeren, on January 14, 2026, Prof. Baah-Boateng explained that Ghanaian voters are primarily motivated by economic conditions, particularly inflation, exchange rate stability, and cost of living pressures. According to him, these factors shape public perception of government performance more than any other consideration during elections.
He noted that inflation in Ghana has become chronic and deeply entrenched, affecting household welfare and eroding purchasing power over time. This persistent inflationary pressure, he argued, directly influences voter decisions, as citizens assess their economic realities against campaign promises.
Prof. Baah-Boateng also highlighted the importance of exchange rate stability, stressing that while recent appreciation of the cedi from about 14 to 10 against the dollar was a positive development, such movements must be carefully managed. He cautioned that abrupt or erratic currency fluctuations can create distortions across other sectors of the economy, undermining confidence and planning.
According to him, currency stability should be the primary objective rather than short-term gains, as predictability in the exchange rate supports investment, pricing, and long-term growth. He urged policymakers to ensure that improvements in the currency do not come at the expense of broader economic balance.
On fiscal policy, the Vice Chancellor called on government to exercise restraint in public spending, urging authorities to align expenditure with available resources. He emphasized the need for fiscal discipline, using the analogy that government must “cut its coat according to its size” to avoid deepening economic vulnerabilities.
He warned that Ghana remains exposed to underlying economic risks and that stability should not be mistaken for economic recovery.
Prof. Baah-Boateng concluded that only prolonged and carefully managed stability can create the conditions necessary for economic transformation, and sustained growth, warning that without discipline and consistency, Ghana risks repeating cycles of instability that voters have historically rejected.
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