Accra: The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has raised concerns over increasing reports of vote buying, particularly during recent political primaries conducted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
According to Ghana News Agency, CDD-Ghana acknowledged efforts by the NDC National Executives, the Majority Caucus in Parliament, and the President in addressing these incidents. The Center also recognized the dialogue initiated by Members of Parliament, civil society organizations, media, and citizens concerning these issues. CDD-Ghana welcomed the national focus on the rise of monetization in Ghana's electoral politics and supported reform proposals, such as the Private Member's Bill from the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North Constituency and advocacy efforts by Occupy Ghana.
The Center emphasized that political and campaign financing regulations should be based on empirical evidence, involve broad stakeholder consultations, and adhere to global best practices. CDD-Ghana has been raising concerns about the increasing impact of money in Ghanaian politics since 2004. Issues such as high election costs, opaque fundraising practices, and weak enforcement were identified as factors that exacerbate corruption risks and allow wealthy individuals undue influence, thereby undermining democratic processes.
In its ongoing efforts, CDD-Ghana has conducted research and advocacy on political financing since 2017. A 2018 study with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) highlighted a 59 percent increase in the cost of contesting parliamentary elections between 2012 and 2016. A subsequent study in 2020, supported by Adam Smith International (ASI), showed campaign costs rising to as much as GHS 4 million on average, with significant funding coming from opaque and illicit sources.
Furthermore, CDD-Ghana, in collaboration with Corruption Watch, conducted investigative work to gather empirical data on the role of money in electoral processes. These findings underline the urgent need for comprehensive political finance reform to enhance transparency and accountability.
Since 2022, CDD-Ghana has worked with a 25-member multi-stakeholder group to create a roadmap for policy and legal reform. This roadmap led to drafting a model law on political financing, reviewed by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and submitted to the Attorney-General. Supported by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Center began consultations on the model law with political parties and the private sector in 2025.
CDD-Ghana plans to host 10 regional forums to discuss proposed political finance reforms, seeking input from various stakeholders, including the Constitution Review Commission (CRC). These forums aim to foster discussions that could lead to reforms gaining national legitimacy and bipartisan support.
The Center urged Members of Parliament and stakeholders to adopt a comprehensive legislative approach to address systemic issues like vote buying and political corruption. Proposed reforms include the enactment of a standalone Political Finance Law and amendments to existing legislation to strengthen disclosure and enforcement.
CDD-Ghana reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the Government, Parliament, political parties, and citizens to advance an evidence-based political finance reform agenda that fortifies Ghana's democracy and promotes inclusive development.