Upper East Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Ayinbisa, has warned that the growing influence of money in Ghana’s elections is undermining democracy and excluding capable but less wealthy leaders.
Speaking on A1 Radio amid concerns over alleged vote buying during the Ayawaso East Constituency NDC parliamentary by-election, Mr. Ayinbisa said political contests are increasingly determined by financial strength rather than ideas or competence. He noted that what occurred during the by-election reflects a broader pattern seen in past elections, where candidates use cash and material incentives to influence delegates.
“It is very unfortunate that in our country today, we are practicing ‘moneycracy’ instead of democracy. It has become obvious that the highest bidder is the one who gets the opportunity to represent a constituency. If you do not have enough financial resources, even if you have brilliant ideas, you may not have the chance to represent your people,” he said.
Mr. Ayinbisa expressed concern over the open display of alleged inducements, noting how normalized the practice has become and its damaging effect on public confidence in elections.
“What happened last Saturday is just another example of what we have seen before. But I believe this must be a turning point because we cannot continue this way,” he stressed.
He called for reforms, including the expansion of electoral colleges within political parties to reduce the ability of candidates to influence small groups of voters.
“That is why many parties believe in expanding the electoral college. Increasing its size may not eradicate inducement entirely, but it should help reduce it. In the NPP, we expanded our electoral college by about 30 percent, with over 215,000 voting in the recent presidential primaries,” he said.
He warned that failing to address vote buying risks turning political leadership into the preserve of the wealthy, leaving ordinary citizens without fair representation.
“We need, as a party and as a country, to curb these tendencies. Otherwise, those with brilliant ideas but limited resources will not have the opportunity to govern. Leadership will be left to the rich who can afford it,” he said.
Mr. Ayinbisa described the practice as condemnable, noting that both the NPP and NDC national executives, as well as parliamentary representatives, have publicly denounced it.
“I am encouraged that many people are rising to insist on proper conduct. We need to manage elections professionally and decorously to strengthen our democracy. Continuing these practices is an eyesore and harmful to our young democratic system,” he added.
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