Asiedu Nketia links high cost of elections to bribery and corruption

National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has linked the escalating instances of bribery and corruption in Ghana to the exorbitant expenses associated with contesting parliamentary elections. During a discussion on Accra-based Onua TV, Mr. Asiedu Nketia highlighted that the financial requirements from party primaries to the general election often surpass the remuneration received by parliamentary aspirants during their four-year tenure.

He pointed out that the amount required to secure a parliamentary seat can surpass a candidate's total salary over four years. For instance, if a candidate spends GH¢1 million to obtain a seat but earns only GH¢400,000 in salary over four years, the remaining GH¢600,000 gap raises questions about where the additional funds are obtained.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia questioned why politicians remain committed to seeking re-election when their campaign costs significantly exceed their official earnings, suggesting that this may indicate that some lawmakers resort to illicit means to recover their investment. He maintained that lowering the financial burden of elections could be a crucial step in tackling the conditions that foster corruption in Ghana's political system.