Pentecostals and Voting Behaviour in Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Elections

Authors

  • Samuel Kofi Boateng Nkrumah-Pobi University of Ghana
  • Emmanuel Effah Amankwah Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana
  • Benedict Kofi Quaye Obinim Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62868/pjtm.v5i1.182

Keywords:

Pentecostals, Politics, Voting behaviour, Elections, Religion

Abstract

The 2024 general elections in Ghana will mark a historic moment in the Fourth Republic, as both major political parties will be led by a Christian and a Muslim for the first time. This development has sparked a debate among the populace regarding the influence of religion on the election outcome. According to the recent population census, the majority of Christians in Ghana identify as Pentecostals, suggesting that this group will significantly impact the selection of the next President. This research, employing a qualitative design and the social model of voting behaviour as its framework, aims to explore the relationship between religion and the voting habits of Pentecostals in the upcoming elections. The findings revealed a range of responses among participants. Among the formally educated respondents, many asserted that religion would not influence their voting decisions, emphasising the importance of policies instead. Conversely, others expressed a tendency to abstain from voting because their preferred parties are nominating candidates who do not align with their religious views.

Author Biographies

Samuel Kofi Boateng Nkrumah-Pobi, University of Ghana

Samuel Kofi Boateng Nkrumah-Pobi holds a B.A degree in Study of Religions and Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon and also a Master of Theology in World Christianity and Intercultural Studies and a Doctor of Philosophy in World Christianity and Mission Studies from Yonsei University, Global Institute of Theology (GIT), South Korea. His research interest includes comparative study of religions, interreligious dialogue, Religion and Politics, Pentecostalism and religions and contemporary global issues.

Emmanuel Effah Amankwah , Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana

Emmanuel Effah Amankwah is final year student at the University of Ghana, reading a combined major of Political Science and the Study of Religions.

Benedict Kofi Quaye Obinim , Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana

Benedict Obinim is a final year student at the University of Ghana with a combined major in Political Science and the Study of Religions. 

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Published

2024-11-22

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2024): Pentecostalism and the Public Sphere

Section

Articles