Strategic Exploitation Of Crises In Ghanaian Politics: Analyzing The 2024 Election And The Role Of Galamsey And DDEP Crises

Abstract

This study examines how Ghanaian political actors strategically exploit major crises – the galamsey (illegal mining) crisis and the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP) – during the lead-up to the 2024 general elections. It investigates how both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) craft narratives, employ framing strategies, and manipulate public discourse to influence voter perceptions, justify policies, and garner electoral support. Using a qualitative multiple case study approach, the research analysed speeches, media statements, social media content, and policy documents from key political figures, civil society, and advocacy groups. Theoretical frameworks such as Framing Theory, the Blame Game Framework, and the Crisis-Opportunity Framework are employed to dissect how actors construct, contest, and exploit crisis narratives. These frameworks informed the development of a novel Crisis Exploitation Framework (CEF), which guides the analysis and triangulation of data by systematically examining issue framing, moral and political blame attribution, and strategic opportunities within crisis contexts. The findings reveal that both parties leverage crises to reinforce legitimacy, discredit opponents, and mobilize support, often blurring lines between genuine concern and political opportunism. The study underscores ethical risks, societal implications, and potential long-term impacts of crisis exploitation on Ghana’s democratic process, governance legitimacy, and social cohesion. It contributes to the broader understanding of political communication strategies in times of societal upheaval, emphasizing the importance of responsible crisis management and narrative integrity in safeguarding democratic stability.