Ghana’s Ruling Party Bids to Unite After President’s Death

Ghanaian President John Atta Mills’ death may spur his divided ruling National Democratic Congress party to unite and bolster the chances of his successor, John Dramani Mahama, of winning a presidential election in December.

“Mahama has been very active and is quite experienced,” Kojo Asante, senior research fellow with the Accra-based Centre for Democratic Development, said in an interview today. “He is a good person for the transition, people know him and his demeanor. Ghanaians will vote on bread-and-butter issues, but one cannot discount the reality of sympathy votes.”