Money in Politics: A Growing Threat to Ghana’s Democracy

In a decisive move to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process, the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), in collaboration with the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has launched a project titled:  “Monitoring Campaign Spending, Abuse of Incumbency, and Vote Buying for Comprehensive Party and Campaign Financing Reform in Ghana.”

The initiative aims to collect campaign finance data for the 2024 presidential elections, addressing concerns about the influence of money and the misuse of state resources in politics.

Initiative Aims to Reform Ghana’s Campaign Finance System

Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), explained that the initiative—supported by USAID and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)—is designed to create a platform for stakeholders to push for reforms in Ghana’s campaign financing system.

Mrs. Addah emphasized the growing threats posed by the monetization of Ghana’s democracy, particularly in election financing.

Money’s Influence Erodes Trust in Democracy

“The influence of money on elections, the unchecked advantages of incumbency, and the harmful practice of vote buying not only undermine the integrity of our elections but also erode citizens’ trust in our democratic institutions,” Mrs. Addah stated.

A study by CDD-Ghana and the Westminster Foundation revealed that candidates must raise an average of GH₵389,803 (approximately US$85,000) just to compete in a parliamentary election. This financial burden, she noted, alienates women, youth, and vulnerable groups from participating in the democratic process.

Gaps in Campaign Finance Regulations Persist

Despite the legal frameworks in the 1992 Constitution and the Political Parties Act, Mrs. Addah pointed out that gaps remain in campaign finance regulations. “Current laws do not provide for direct public funding of political parties, and there are no clear limits on donations,” she noted.

She further added that disclosure laws lack stringent requirements for political parties to identify their donors, which leads to a lack of financial transparency.

Abuse of State Resources Compromises Election Fairness

Another pressing issue raised was the abuse of state resources by incumbents. This includes the use of government vehicles, public events, state media, and security agencies for partisan purposes, creating an uneven playing field during elections.

The GII Consortium’s new project will monitor these irregularities in the upcoming elections and provide evidence-based recommendations for reform.

Evidence-Based Advocacy for Campaign Finance Reform

“Our findings will inform advocacy efforts aimed at promoting comprehensive party and campaign financing reforms,” Mrs. Addah explained, stressing that elections should be won based on ideas and policies, rather than financial backing or incumbency advantages.

The launch event underscored the essential role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability. Mrs. Addah expressed optimism about working with media partners to raise public awareness and drive discussions on the need for electoral reforms.

GII Project: A Critical Tool for Fair Elections in 2024

As Ghana gears up for the 2024 elections, the GII Consortium’s project is expected to be a critical tool in ensuring a more equitable and transparent electoral process. The ultimate goal is to strengthen democratic governance in the country by addressing long-standing challenges in campaign financing.

Cost of Running for Office Excludes Many Groups

Frederick Adu Gyamfi, Director of Programs at CDD-Ghana, also emphasized on the urgency of campaign finance reforms. Mr. Adu Gyamfi acknowledged that while money plays a significant role in modern politics, it can also harm democratic institutions if not regulated.

He cited a study by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and CDD-Ghana, revealing that the cost of running for a presidential seat in Ghana is an estimated GHS 575 million, while running for a parliamentary seat can cost up to GHS 4 million. This, he explained, creates a system where political campaigns are driven by financial power rather than public interest.

Weak Enforcement of Finance Laws Continues

Although the Political Parties Act 2000 (Act 574) mandates political parties to disclose their financial accounts after elections, enforcement remains weak. “The lack of transparency, coupled with the absence of a cap on campaign expenditures, has allowed financial muscle to dominate the electoral process.

Candidates who spend exorbitant amounts on campaigns often prioritize recouping their investments rather than serving the public,” Mr. Adu Gyamfi added.

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Misuse of State Resources: A Persistent Problem

Mr. Adu Gyamfi also expressed concern about the widespread misuse of state resources during elections, a practice that gives undue advantages to incumbents.

He pointed to constitutional safeguards like Article 55 (11)(12), which mandates equal access to state media, and Article 284, which prohibits conflicts of interest for public officials. Yet, the misuse of government assets in favor of ruling parties remains a recurring issue.

Monitoring and Accountability: Civil Society and Media Play Key Roles

The CDD-Ghana monitoring project, in partnership with civil society organizations and the media, aims to track campaign expenditures and document instances of the abuse of state resources.

“This initiative will provide empirical evidence that can inform critical reforms,” Mr. Adu Gyamfi said, highlighting civil society and the media’s vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the election process.

The Call for Reforms and a Fair Election Process

As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, the call for campaign finance reform and stricter measures against the misuse of public resources is central to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.

“The integrity of our elections is paramount,” Mr. Adu Gyamfi concluded, urging all stakeholders—government, political parties, civil society, and voters—to safeguard Ghana’s democracy.

This project marks a crucial step toward addressing these long-standing challenges and reinforcing fairness and accountability in Ghana’s democratic system.

Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo