“Hello, Hashim,” I said. “His name is not Hashim,” my friend corrected. “Hashim” is the butler who booked the taxi for us.”

“Oh, I see. What’s your name?” I inquired.

“I am Hoffman,” he replied.

“Are you British?” I asked, curious about his accent and eager to determine which part of Africa he was from and whether he was Ghanaian. I had heard earlier that most of the ride-hailing drivers in Dubai were Ghanaians.

“Hoffman, is that a German name?” I wondered aloud.

We didn’t have any further conversation until an unexpected incident happened. Hoffman, who was driving us, noticed another driver two lanes away attempting to make a wrong turn that could result in a hefty fine. Without hesitation, Hoffman skillfully maneuvered his car and gestured to the other driver, warning him and helping him avoid the mistake. I was impressed by his quick thinking and empathy.

Curious, I asked, “Why did you go out of your way to help that driver?”

Hoffman responded, “Because we are all in this together, trying to make a living in a foreign land. It’s important to look out for one another.”

As I listened to Hoffman, I recognised the familiar Ghanaian accent. “Where are you from, Hoffman?” I asked.

“The same country as you,” he replied with a smile.

“Oh, Ghana!” we chorused, realising that three Ghanaians had met in a foreign land, not just anywhere, but in Dubai, one of the most infrastructurally and technologically developed places on earth. This sparked a conversation about the state of affairs in Ghana.

“How long have you been here in Dubai?” I asked.

“Seven years,” he replied.

My travel friend interjected, “Please stay here! Don’t return to Ghana.”

“Oh, I will, in December! I have to vote. I cannot let that pass me by,” Hoffman said with conviction.

As someone who has closely observed Ghana’s democracy and party politics, particularly the transitions between the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), this statement intrigued me. Our short conversation with Hoffman during the ride revealed much about his perspective and the upcoming elections. It was a brief exchange, but by the time we reached our destination, I knew I had to rethink our conversation and its implications for Ghana’s elections.

Over the past 20 years, Ghana has seen a cyclical turnover of power between the NDC and NPP. Each party has had moments of triumph and challenges, reflecting the dynamic nature of Ghanaian politics. The upcoming 2024 elections promise to be no different, with each party presenting its vision for the country’s future.

Returning to Hoffman’s intentions of voting in December, my friend commented on how the vote should go in favour of the NDC’s candidate, John D. Mahama, because of how poorly the NPP had performed in the last eight years.

“Ah! Mahama!” Hoffman remarked. “What can Mahama do for Ghana? What can all these old people do for Ghana?”

At this point, we both fell silent. For me, it wasn’t out of disappointment but curiosity. If Hoffman was disillusioned with the current NPP government, who would he vote for? After all, Ghana is now an established duopoly.

“So, who are you voting for?” my friend asked.

“I’m coming to vote for Cheddar. He is the only person who can change things in Ghana,” Hoffman replied with hope and confidence.

My friend and I were taken aback. You could hear a pin drop. My friend quickly said, “Oh, Cheddar! She,” pointing at me, “is Cheddar’s boss.”

This gave Hoffman more confidence to discuss how Cheddar would win the elections. I had so much I wanted to say to him at that point, such as what it meant to be an independent presidential candidate with no clear indication of who would form his government or how historically impossible that is in Ghana. But I was numb and couldn’t find my words. I just wanted to get to my destination.

Cheddar, also known as Nana Kwame Bediako, or Freedom Jacob Caesar, indicated his intention to run for president during a botched event where some well-known names were billed to speak. This was months after billboards with pictures of a masked man with the tag-line, “The New Force” had sprung up nationwide. At that event, Cheddar proclaimed he was the man behind the mask and declared his intention to run for president as he was the next ‘Osagyefo’ (savior).

Earlier in our conversation, when Hoffman said he was Ghanaian, I asked where he was from in Ghana.

“Kaaszai,” he said.

“Kaaszai? Where is that?” my friend asked.

“Kumerica,” he replied.” Oh, that’s Kumasi,” I added.

The Ashanti Region, with Kumasi as its capital, is known as the traditional stronghold of the NPP. Historically, the region has provided the party with a significant voter base, contributing heavily to its electoral successes. The loyalty of the Ashanti people to the NPP dates back to the party’s inception, and Kumasi, often referred to as Kumerica, plays a pivotal role in the political landscape of Ghana. This region’s support is crucial for any NPP candidate, as it is considered the party’s “World Bank” in terms of votes. The political dynamics in Kumasi often reflect broader trends within the NPP’s national strategy and voter base. Yet, Hoffman, a proud Kumerican, no longer had faith in the NPP.

As I said, it was a short taxi ride; as we alighted and walked to our destination, I could not help but ponder on these questions: Could Hoffman’s disillusionment with the NPP reflect a more significant sentiment among the Ashanti, the NPP’s stronghold? Hoffman appeared to be a young, educated man in his mid-30s, possibly slightly above the official youth bracket. Is his preference for Cheddar again a reflection of the views of the youth in Ghana?

Over 600,000 young people have recently registered as first-time voters. Interestingly, Cheddar’s New Force did not even have agents at the registration centres or in any issues arising from the voter registration exercise. Yet, Hoffman’s faith and conviction in Cheddar is so strong that he, an Uber driver in Dubai, is willing to sacrifice his earnings to travel to Ghana to vote for him? Is Cheddar’s influence so extensive that it reaches outside our shores, inspiring young people to fly back to Ghana to vote for him? Are young people so disillusioned with the established political duopoly of the NDC and NPP that they are willing to put their faith in a ‘masked’ ideology, a man with no clear political ideology beyond calling himself a Kwame Nkrumah incarnate?

As we concluded our ride and bid Hoffman farewell, the conversation left me much to ponder about the upcoming elections and the shifting political landscape in Ghana and Africa. Indeed, the Cheddar phenomenon, although unique, serves as a stark reminder of an emerging trend in African electoral politics: young, non-party-affiliated populist leaders capitalizing on growing discontent with the establishment. This trend is not isolated to Ghana alone. Across the continent, figures like Bobi Wine in Uganda, Peter Obi in Nigeria, and Julius Malema in South Africa attempted to break traditional political duopolies by resonating with the youth and the disenfranchised.

Despite the latter’s lack of clear political ideology or experience, Hoffman’s enthusiasm for Cheddar mirrors a broader sentiment of frustration and a desire for change among younger generations. It underscores a critical juncture in Ghana’s democracy, where the electorate is increasingly questioning the status quo and seeking alternatives that promise radical change, even if those alternatives are untested.

As I reflected on this encounter, it became evident that Ghana’s upcoming elections might be more than just a contest between the NPP and NDC. They could mark the beginning of a new political era driven by youth engagement and a yearning for innovative leadership. Hoffman’s conviction and his willingness to travel from Dubai to Ghana just to cast his vote for Cheddar speaks volumes about the potential impact of this new wave of political actors.

Ultimately, this interaction with Hoffman left me with a profound sense of curiosity and anticipation. Will this burgeoning movement transform Ghana’s political landscape, or will the traditional powers maintain their grip on the nation’s governance? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the winds of change are blowing, and they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a new generation eager to redefine the future of Ghanaian politics.

Edem Selormey (PhD), Director of Research, Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)