Rising cost of political campaigns threatens inclusive participation – CDD-Ghana

Frederick Adu-Gyamfi, Director of Programmes and Operations at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has raised concerns about the escalating expenses associated with running political campaigns in Ghana. He warns that the surging financial demands could hinder capable citizens, including young people, women, and persons with disabilities, from effectively participating in the country’s democratic process.

Adu-Gyamfi made these remarks at a media workshop organized by CDD-Ghana in Kumasi, with support from the British High Commission. He emphasized that while money plays a significant role in politics, it is crucial to prevent it from supplanting integrity, commitment, and the capacity to serve the public. According to the expert, the influence of money in politics may restrict political office accessibility to those with substantial financial resources, thereby excluding other deserving candidates.

Addressing the issue of political financing, Adu-Gyamfi stressed the importance of scrutinizing campaign funding sources and investigating the interests of major financiers. He urged media professionals to delve deeper into reporting election results, investigating the origins of campaign funds and whether such financiers eventually benefited from the exercise of public power.

CDD-Ghana has proposed a Draft Model Political Finance Law to address gaps in Ghana’s existing political finance system, emphasizing transparency in political financing. The organization has engaged various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, and universities, to garner support for the proposed reforms.

The workshop aimed to educate journalists about Ghana’s current political party and campaign financing landscape, challenges, and gaps in the legal and regulatory framework, as well as the proposed reforms.