Key Points
- Cheddar tops smaller party candidates with 84,478 votes (0.75%).
- Smaller party candidates gain attention despite NPP and NDC dominance.
- Cheddar’s New Force campaign resonates with youth seeking change.
In Ghana’s general election of 2024, Nana Kwame Bediako, better known by his stage name Cheddar, has emerged as the front-runner among smaller party candidates.
Cheddar emerges as top smaller party contender in 2024
According to statistics released by the Electoral Commission (EC) on December 9, 2024, Cheddar received 84,478 votes, or 0.75% of the total votes cast, representing The New Force movement.
In an election that is primarily controlled by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Cheddar’s result is a noteworthy accomplishment for smaller political parties.
Notable contributions to the election were also made by candidates from other smaller parties. The Convention People’s Party (CPP)’s Nana Akosua Frimpomaa received 23,397 votes, or 0.21% of the total. Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC), a former presidential contender, garnered 17,461 votes, or 0.16% of the total. Christian Andrews, also known as Osofo Kyiri Abosom, of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), and Daniel Augustus Lartey Jr., of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), each received 16,673 votes (0.15%) and 16,461 votes (0.15%).
According to myjoyonline, after splitting from the New Patriotic Party to run as an independent, Alan Kyerematen received 31,202 votes, or 0.28% of the total. Mohammed Frimpong of the People’s National Convention (PNC) garnered 4,413 votes (0.04%), while Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) garnered 5,219 votes (0.09%).
George Twum Barimah-Adu and Kofi Koranteng, both independent candidates, received 3,091 votes (0.02%) and 3,320 votes (0.03%), respectively.
With 6,328,397 votes, or 56.55% of the total valid votes, former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC was proclaimed the winner of the 2024 presidential election. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, an NPP candidate, came in second with 4,657,304 votes (41.61%).
Cheddar’s New Force movement wins support with bold promises
Under the New Force movement, Cheddar’s campaign focused on social change, innovation, and economic empowerment. He became known as a rising star in Ghanaian politics thanks to his message, which especially struck a chord with younger voters.
Even while the two major parties continued to retain a commanding lead in the presidential election, the combined performance of candidates from smaller parties demonstrated the rising need for other voices in Ghanaian politics.
