Ghana: Short Horizons, Decentralized Rent Management, and the Targeting of Swing Voters during Electoral Cycles

Abstract

Chapter 5 focuses on Ghana, one of Africa’s most institutionalized democracies, and contrasts its relatively balanced allocation of development finance with the regional favoritism observed in Zambia. Ghana’s stable two-party system – dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – is characterized by cross-ethnic coalitions. While the NDC has traditionally drawn support from the Volta region and the Muslim North, and the NPP from the Akan-dominated Ashanti region, ethnic fragmentation has encouraged both parties to target swing regions through strategic resource allocation. Ghana’s political landscape is shaped by a commitment to ethno-regional balance in leadership and efforts to institutionalize regional equity, which curtail ethnic favoritism. Decentralization and broad-based representation further incentivize parties to compete in swing constituencies. Despite ongoing challenges such as rent-seeking and rising debt, Ghana’s independent institutions and vibrant civil society help constrain ethnic favoritism – offering a stark contrast to Zambia’s declining accountability during its democratic transition.