In recent years, the prevalence of vote-buying in Ghana’s political landscape has become a growing concern, affecting both internal party contests and general elections. While some may dismiss comments about the issue with humor, the implications of such practices should not be trivialized.
Since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1993, the role of money in Ghanaian politics has seen a significant increase. Research indicates that the financial commitment required by aspirants for campaigning has surged, particularly for those seeking to represent their constituencies in Parliament.
A report by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) revealed staggering figures. It estimated that a presidential candidate running under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would need to raise and spend about GHC 575 million ($100 million). The cost of running for Parliament was found to be GHC 4 million ($693,000), with a substantial portion allocated to nurturing the constituency and running election campaigns.
The escalation in the cost of politics in Ghana has been attributed to both demand-driven and supply-side corruption. The exorbitant expenses associated with running for office, especially for parliamentary and presidential candidates, have created a system where illicit funds infiltrate campaign financing, posing a risk to the integrity of Ghana’s democracy and governance.
A concerning revelation from the WFD/CDD report is the involvement of financiers engaged in criminal activities such as illegal mining, fraudulent business practices, and procurement infractions. These activities have direct implications for the democratic process, raising questions about the integrity of campaign funding.
To address these issues, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), in collaboration with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), has initiated efforts to raise awareness about Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) threats during elections. Supported by funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the consortium has conducted public sensitization activities through radio programs and workshops aimed at empowering citizens to counter illicit funds and corruption.
Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of GACC, emphasized the need to educate citizens on the detrimental impact of monetization of politics and illicit businesses funding political actors. She highlighted the consortium’s focus on empowering citizens to understand the importance of fair elections and resist undue influence of money in politics.
Mr. Samuel Appiah Darko, Director for Strategy, Research, and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), stressed the importance of citizen involvement in combating organized crime. He emphasized the need for the public to provide accurate information and assured anonymity and potential rewards for informants.
Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, a Senior Research Fellow at CDD-Ghana, highlighted instances where politicians made decisions in favor of their financiers, leading to policy incoherence and a disadvantage for the nation. He also underscored the need for citizens and authorities to question large sums of money inflows that may be proceeds of SOC activities.
The fight against SOCs, as emphasized by Mr. Leo Anthony Siama, Deputy Head Legal and Prosecution Economic and Organised Crime Office, requires a concerted effort and public awareness. He highlighted loopholes in laws governing political party financing that allow for exploitation by SOCs.
Mrs. Mary Awelena Addah, Executive Secretary of GII, called for avenues for reporting SOC activities while ensuring protection for those who come forward with information.
The efforts of organizations like GACC, GII, and ACEP are crucial in addressing the growing threat of organized crime in Ghana’s political landscape. By raising awareness, empowering citizens, and advocating for transparency in campaign financing, these initiatives aim to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s democracy and governance.
It is imperative for stakeholders at all levels to collaborate in countering SOC threats and ensuring that democratic processes remain free from undue influence and illicit funding. Only through collective action can Ghana uphold the principles of fair elections and good governance.
source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
