The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called for a constitutional review to address the escalating issue of political financing in Ghana.
The call comes after claims by Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, who revealed that aspiring parliamentary candidates are spending an average of GH¢10 million on their campaigns, placing an unsustainable financial burden on candidates.
Dr. Kissi, speaking on The Big Issues on Saturday, emphasized the financial strain on candidates, particularly within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who have invested significant amounts in their bids to win elections.
He noted that these high campaign costs were contributing to challenges in Ghana’s democracy, urging for a reduction in expectations and campaign promises to ensure a more sustainable system.
At an event hosted by the Ghana Center for Democratic Governance (CDD-Ghana) to discuss incidents from the 2024 elections, CODEO Co-chair Dr. Fred Deegbe highlighted the consequences of such high campaign costs.
Dr. Deegbe argued that the financial pressures on candidates often drive corruption and push Members of Parliament to prioritize personal wealth accumulation over public service once elected.
CODEO emphasized the need for urgent reforms to regulate political financing and reduce the financial barriers to contesting for public office.
These measures, they argued, would enhance accountability, reduce corruption, and strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
“It costs over an estimated $600,000 or GH¢10 million for somebody to run for the office of a parliamentarian, and that person, if he ever gets into power, how is he going to defray that cost, and all the people who helped that person become an MP will be expecting some kickbacks in either contracts or school fees, and it is too expensive, and these are the things that sometimes fuel corruption.”
