Dr. Jonathan Asante Okyere has expressed concern over the growing commercialization of Ghana’s electoral process, warning that the increasing cost of internal party elections and the open display of vote-buying threaten the country’s democratic values.
Speaking on the issue of vote buying via a zoom meeting on Kessben TV’s Digest show, the academician noted that contesting internal party elections can cost candidates as much as GH¢5 million, largely due to logistics, publicity, campaign staffing, hotel accommodation, and other operational expenses.
He explained that Members of Parliament often face daily demands from constituents, making it difficult to separate constituency responsibilities from campaign activities.
He also noted that campaign costs vary across regions, with some areas requiring significantly higher expenditure to remain competitive.
According to him, candidates are often pressured to make promises because their opponents are doing the same, even when some of those promises may be unrealistic or difficult to fulfill.
The political scientist further observed that politicians sometimes undertake strategic infrastructure projects ahead of elections to convince voters of what they intend to deliver if elected into office.
He added that campaign spending differs depending on the type of election, explaining that promises and expenditure are generally higher during party primaries in political strongholds, while swing regions often attract greater spending during general elections.
Addressing the issue of vote-buying, he stressed that giving money to influence how people vote is illegal and urged political parties to take decisive action against the practice.
“What is becoming dangerous is the boldness with which delegates openly display their illegal inducement,” he warned, describing the trend as a serious threat to the credibility and integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.
