Ghana's political scene is characterized by the overwhelming influence of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Despite the presence of other parties, these two giants continue to dominate the political landscape. Here are some factors that I’ve noticed contribute to their dominance:

Established Party Machinery

The NDC and NPP have built robust party structures over the years, with extensive networks across the country.

They have mastered the art of mobilizing resources, both financial and human, to support their campaigns. This puts them at a significant advantage over smaller, emerging parties.

Loyal Voter Base

Both the NDC and NPP have cultivated loyal voter bases that have remained steadfast over time. These voters are often deeply invested in the party's ideology and are less likely to switch allegiances, making it challenging for other parties to gain traction.

Media Dominance:

The NDC and NPP have a strong presence in the media, with their leaders and

spokespersons frequently featured in news coverage.

This exposure helps them shape public discourse and sway voters in their favour. Smaller parties often struggle to gain similar levels of media attention.

Incumbency Advantage

When in power, the NDC and NPP can leverage state resources and institutions to boost their campaigns. This includes using government-owned media outlets, distributing patronage, and using state security forces to intimidate opponents.

This incumbency advantage makes it difficult for other parties to compete on an equal footing, seeing as most of them have never been in power. 

Lack of Funding

Running a successful political campaign requires substantial financial resources.

Smaller parties often lack the necessary funds to mount effective nationwide campaigns, while the NDC and NPP can rely on wealthy donors and party coffers to finance their activities.

While Ghana's democracy allows for a multiparty system, the NDC and NPP's dominance remains a significant challenge for emerging parties.

Overcoming this will require a combination of strategic planning, grassroots mobilization, and innovative approaches to fundraising and campaigning.

And these things are doable if these parties step up to it the challenge.