Gov’t should fund political parties to end ‘democracy for sale’ – Oti Regional Minister

The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has urged the government to fund political parties in order to combat the perception that democracy is being "sold." Speaking at the JoyNews' Democracy Is Not for Sale dialogue in Dambai, Mr Gyapong suggested that the state should take responsibility for funding parties to ensure their activities aren't compromised by financial constraints.

At the event, Mr Gyapong stated that the costs associated with political campaigns necessitate investment as an integral part of electoral politics. He questioned why political spending during elections is treated differently from financial transactions in other sectors such as education and healthcare. Mr Gyapong argued that candidates and parties enter politics with the expectation of gaining positions and benefits from the process, and therefore should be adequately supported.

He believed the conversation around money in elections should shift from criticizing political spending to finding a way to fund parties effectively. According to Mr Gyapong, if the public desires to prevent the sale of democracy, the government should provide financial assistance to political parties. He maintained that funding parties would serve as an alternative source of financial support and help resolve the ongoing concerns surrounding money in elections.