The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has voiced concern over the escalating cost of contesting presidential elections, warning that the country’s democracy could be captured by a wealthy elite.
Speaking at an Open Society forum in Accra, CDD-Ghana’s Executive Director, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, revealed that running a successful presidential campaign in Ghana now demands an estimated $200 million. He cautioned that such prohibitive expenses effectively bar capable but less affluent leaders from seeking office.
“You now need about $200 million to win a presidential contest. How many of you can ever realistically be in that category? Even at the parliamentary and primary levels, the barriers are already far too high for many,” Prof. Prempeh remarked.
He further warned that if politics becomes the preserve of only the wealthy and well-connected, Ghana’s democratic and developmental aspirations will be jeopardized. “We cannot have that kind of democracy and expect it to be developmental. That is why campaign financing and regulation of internal party democracy must become urgent national priorities,” he emphasized.
CDD-Ghana’s caution highlights the pressing need for reforms to ensure inclusivity and fairness in Ghana’s political process.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
