Have we set our politicians up for corruption?

As Ghana gears up for another Presidential and Parliamentary election, the familiar wave of campaign activities is sweeping across the country. Political parties and candidates are out promoting their manifestos, promising better healthcare, education, jobs, and more. Alongside these promises, donations of cash and goods are being made, and campaign mate­rials such as T-shirts, billboards, branded vehicles, and posters are being distributed. These activities come at an enormous financial cost—often running into billions of Ghana Cedis.

This raises a critical question: How are politicians funding their campaigns? The truth is, nothing comes free. Wherever this funding originates, there is an expectation of repayment— often through inflated contracts or unnecessary projects.

Political parties are public institutions, and we, as citizens, must scrutinise their finances. How parties raise and spend money directly impacts gov­ernance. Corruption, widely acknowledged as a major barrier to Ghana’s development, often stems from unchecked political financing.

The cost of running for office

The path to political office in Ghana has become a costly endeavour. A parliamentary aspirant might spend as much as GH¢1.5 million just to secure a party’s candidature—before even competing in the general election. These costs discourage competent and patriotic indi­viduals from pursuing public office, leaving the field to those who can afford it, regardless of their qualifications or integrity.

Parliamentarians today are judged not by their legislative contributions but by how much they can donate at funerals or other social events. As a result, they are often too preoccupied with raising funds to focus on parliamentary duties. If this trend continues, our legisla­ture risks being populated by individuals who prioritise wealth over national interest.

The role of citizens

While it’s easy to blame politicians, citizens must share the responsibility. Many voters base their choices on monetary incentives rather than poli­cies or competence, creating a system where money dominates politics. Even district-level elections, once seen as a grass­roots platform for community development, have succumbed to the influence of money and party politics.

A dangerous cycle

The monetisation of politics has set Ghana on a perilous path. If unchecked, it could erode the integrity of our democratic institutions and pave the way for authoritarian governance, such as military rule. This is not a far-fetched scenario—it would be a conse­quence of our collective actions.

The Way Forward

1. Regulate Political Cam­paigns:

The state must regulate po­litical party funding and cam­paign activities. A standardised, state-sponsored platform could allow all parties to present their policies and manifestos equally. This would reduce the financial burden on political parties and diminish the influence of mon­ey in politics.

2. Voter Education:

Citizens must be educated on the roles and responsibilities of elected officials. Unrealistic de­mands—such as expecting MPs to pay medical bills or fund community projects—should be addressed. This education should start at schools, market­places, and other public spaces to ensure widespread under­standing of governance and accountability.

3. Transparency and Ac­countability:

Political party financing must be transparent. Citizens and institutions must hold parties accountable for their funding sources and expenditures.

Conclusion

The fight against corruption begins with addressing the monetisation of politics. Just as we fund essential state institu­tions like the police and military, we must consider mechanisms to ensure fair and transparent political financing. The time to act is now, as the consequenc­es of inaction will be dire for Ghana’s democracy and devel­opment.