A recent survey conducted by the Data Insight Group | JOB Group Limited and Chartered Media Consult has unveiled a notable shift in voter priorities as the December 2024 General Elections approach.

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The study, involving 134 participants, indicated that the economy, employment opportunities, and education have emerged as the most critical factors influencing voter decisions, displacing healthcare from its previous top position.

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Survey results revealed that 73.5 percent of respondents identified the economy as their primary concern, reflecting widespread anxiety and interest in economic stability and growth.

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The economy has dominated everyday discourse, with sovereign credit ratings reflecting unsustainable public debt. This situation has led to soaring inflation, currency depreciation, exorbitant interest rates, and a domestic debt exchange, all contributing to a cost-of-living crisis.

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Inflation stood at 54.1 percent at the end of 2022 but receded to 23.2 percent a year later. However, a comparative analysis of a product priced at GH¢100 in December 2021 showed a significant increase to GH¢154.10 by December 2022 and further to GH¢189.55 by December 2023, indicating a substantial erosion of purchasing power over the past two years.

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In other words, to purchase the same basket of goods and services in early 2024 as in early 2022, one would need approximately 90 percent more currency. This translates to a required salary increase from GH¢1,000 in early 2022 to around GH¢1,900 in early 2024 to maintain a comparable standard of living, underscoring the significant impact of inflation on purchasing power.

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While ‘less essential’ goods like cars and electronics have tripled in price between 2020 and 2024, the most basic commodity – food – has been the hardest hit.

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For instance, data from the Kenkey Index report released in September 2023 presents a worrisome scenario. It indicates a notable decline of 32 percent in the quantity of kenkey obtainable for a fixed price compared to the previous year. Conversely, the price of kenkey for a specified weight has surged by a significant 51.8 percent. This pattern correlates with the national food inflation rate of 51.9 percent reported by the Ghana Statistical Service at the close of 2023.

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In essence, consumers are not only shelling out more money for kenkey but are also receiving a substantially smaller portion of their money's worth.

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Following closely behind is employment, with 55.3 percent of voters expressing significant apprehension about job opportunities and labor market dynamics.

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This focus on employment, as revealed by the study, mirrors the broader societal ramifications of economic conditions, as voters prioritize policies that foster job creation, reduce unemployment rates, and ensure equitable labor practices.

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According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in its Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey Quarter Three Labor Bulletin, the country's unemployment rate surged to 14.7 percent for the initial three quarters of 2023. This figure reflects a spike in unemployment.

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During this period, the number of unemployed youth aged 15 to 35 also increased, rising from approximately 1.2 million to over 1.3 million. The report additionally indicated that unemployment rates consistently skewed higher for females compared to males.

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Moreover, education has emerged as a pivotal factor for many voters, with 35.6 percent stressing the significance of educational reforms, access to quality education, and opportunities for lifelong learning.

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The effectiveness of recent educational policies, notably the flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) program, remains a subject of debate, particularly concerning the quality of academic and non-academic aspects.

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“Majority of voters view the economy, employment and education as very critical. Other factors – such as energy, agriculture, diplomacy, water and environment – also play remarkable roles. It is a complex issue with multiple influencing factors and it is, therefore, important to note that these factors can change over time and differ across regions and demographics,” a portion of a communiqué following the study read.

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Healthcare

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Universal health coverage (UHC) is viewed as an essential human entitlement, rather than a commodity distributed through market mechanisms. Nevertheless, achieving and guaranteeing comprehensive UHC on a global scale is intricate and encounters various obstacles.

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Before 2003, all individuals in the nation, irrespective of their economic status, were required to personally finance their healthcare expenses. This situation underwent a transformation with the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2003, which witnessed swift expansion nationwide. The NHIS provides fair access and financial protection for essential healthcare services.

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“Technically, supply and demand of healthcare remain unlimited and the supply-side is not necessarily an issue potentially due to the growing role of the private sector in the industry. However, the growing cost of medical care characterised by the three economic agents – including patients, insurers and providers -should push voters to demand for clearly defined vision and policies in campaign messages,” Ebenezer Obeng-Nyarkoh, Lead Analyst, Data Insight Group | JOB Group Limited, noted.

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The transition in voter preferences away from healthcare, traditionally a focal point in political discussions, indicates a nuanced progression in societal interests.

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Although healthcare retains its significance in public policy, experts suggest that the present focus on the economy, employment, and education mirrors the broader aspirations and hurdles confronting the electorate.

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