An independent not-for-profit think-and-do-tank, the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has in a new report disclosed that an estimated $150 million and an additional 10 million Ghanaian cedis are needed to secure victory in presidential and parliamentary elections.
The report expressed worry over the situation, describing it as alarming and the impact it may have on Ghana’s democratic governance and the country’s fight against corruption.
CDD-Ghana attributed these issues to the increasing monetisation of the electoral process.
It warned if not checked, it will make corruption worse and weaken accountability within public office.
Speaking during a presentation before the Constitutional Review Committee, Director of Programmes at CDD-Ghana, Dr Kojo Asante, underscored the need for Ghanaians to elect persons with integrity.
He also believes that Ghanaians must be interested in how the political parties conduct their internal elections.
“We must begin electing leaders with integrity and orienting them towards the public interest, as this focus on public welfare also drives development,” he said.
“There must be clear provisions for disqualifying candidates who breach regulations, as well as mandatory asset declarations for those running for office. We also need to address the oversight of political parties themselves, which ultimately leads to the Electoral Commission,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
