The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has raised concerns about the unsustainable nature of political financing in Ghana, citing its threat to the country’s democratic integrity. The call for reforms comes amid claims that aspiring parliamentary candidates spend exorbitant amounts on their campaigns.
Campaign Spending Concerns
Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, MP for Anyaa Sowutuom, revealed that parliamentary candidates in the 2024 elections spent an average of GH¢10 million ($600,000) on their campaigns. He noted:
- Such spending begins during primaries and continues until the general election.
- It creates immense financial strain, particularly for candidates who ultimately lose.
Dr. Kissi linked these expenditures to excessive promises made by candidates and pressure from constituents, compounding the financial burden.
Implications of High Campaign Costs
At an event hosted by the Ghana Center for Democratic Governance (CDD-Ghana), CODEO Co-chair Dr. Fred Deegbe highlighted the adverse effects of such high costs:
- Increased Corruption: Financial pressures lead elected officials to prioritize recouping campaign expenses over public service.
- Reduced Accountability: MPs may cater to the interests of financiers rather than their constituents.
- Barriers to Entry: The high costs deter capable but less affluent individuals from contesting for public office, undermining inclusivity in democracy.
CODEO’s Recommendations
- Constitutional Reforms:
- Review and regulate political financing to ensure fair and transparent electoral processes.
- Introduce limits on campaign spending to prevent excessive expenditures.
- Enhanced Accountability Mechanisms:
- Strengthen anti-corruption measures to hold public officials accountable.
- Public Financing of Campaigns:
- Consider partial state funding to reduce the reliance on private donors, which often leads to conflicts of interest.
The Way Forward
CODEO and other stakeholders argue that addressing these issues is crucial for:
- Strengthening Ghana’s Democracy: By ensuring political offices are accessible to a wider pool of candidates.
- Reducing Corruption: By eliminating the financial pressures that drive unethical practices.
- Building Public Trust: By fostering transparency and accountability in governance.
The urgency to tackle unsustainable political financing is clear, as unchecked campaign expenditures risk undermining the core principles of democratic governance in Ghana.
