A recent report from the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has drawn attention to the alarming rise in the financial requirements for winning elections in Ghana, raising concerns about the sustainability of the country’s democracy and its ongoing struggle with corruption.
The study reveals that the cost of securing both presidential and parliamentary victories has surged to an estimated $150 million, along with an additional 10 million Ghanaian cedis.
This sharp increase in expenses is attributed to the growing trend of money influencing the electoral process, a phenomenon that the report warns is deepening corruption and undermining accountability in public offices.
The Director of Programmes at CDD-Ghana, Dr. Kojo Asante, voiced his concerns during a presentation to the Constitutional Review Committee, describing the situation as highly troubling.
“We must prioritize leaders with integrity and a commitment to public welfare, as focusing on the needs of the people is essential for sustainable development,” he remarked.
Dr. Asante also pointed out that political parties should not be allowed to self-regulate their processes.
“There should be clear mechanisms to disqualify candidates who breach established rules, including mandatory asset declarations for office seekers. Moreover, political parties must face scrutiny to ensure the Electoral Commission can effectively oversee the entire process,” he added.
These comments were delivered at a recent meeting of the Constitutional Review Committee.
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