The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called for a constitutional review to tackle the growing challenge of political party financing in Ghana.
The call follows remarks by Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, who revealed that aspiring parliamentary candidates spend an average of GH¢10 million on their campaigns, creating an unsustainable financial burden.
“On average, every NPP Member of Parliament who went into this battle may have spent close to GH¢10 million. From primaries to date. GH¢10 million on average. And that is because they had faith and they felt that they could win. And like I said, I am not here to add to their injury. It is a very painful thing to invest so much and lose.
“These are some of the challenges we have with our democracy. And I think that we may have to dial down. I was talking with Honourable Henry Quartey, and he felt that people were also demanding more than was doable from a lot of ministers. But who caused it? The promises were many,” Dr. Kissi said on The Big Issue programme on Saturday.
Speaking at an event organized by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) to discuss incidents from the 2024 elections, CODEO Co-chair Dr. Fred Deegbe underscored the far-reaching consequences of such exorbitant campaign costs.
Dr. Deegbe pointed out that the financial pressures on candidates often lead to corruption, forcing Members of Parliament to prioritize personal wealth accumulation over public service after assuming office.
CODEO stressed the urgency of implementing reforms to regulate political financing and reduce the financial barriers to contesting public office. Such measures, they argued, would promote accountability, curb 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,” Dr. Deegbe explained.
