The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, has introduced a Private Member’s Bill seeking to amend the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574) to establish a comprehensive campaign financing regime in Ghana.
The proposed Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2026 aims to regulate the sources of campaign funds, set limits on political contributions and expenditures, and strengthen oversight of party financing.
In a statement announcing the initiative, the MP said while Ghana has successfully conducted nine general elections since the return to multiparty democracy in 1992 including four peaceful transfers of power the rising cost of politics poses a growing threat to democratic governance.
The current Political Parties Act governs the registration and functioning of political parties but does not provide a legal framework for campaign financing. There are no statutory limits on campaign spending, caps on contributions, or mandatory detailed disclosure requirements.
According to the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana, 2025), the cost of contesting presidential elections has risen to approximately $200 million. Meanwhile, the STAR-Ghana Foundation reported in 2018 that parliamentary campaign costs increased by 59 percent between 2012 and 2016.
The MP argues that escalating campaign expenses are shifting political competition toward financial strength rather than competence and ideas, while also excluding women, youth and individuals of limited means from meaningful participation. Women, for instance, held only 15 percent of parliamentary seats in 2016.
The statement also cited concerns about corruption and vote buying, pointing to allegations arising from the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primaries held on Jan. 31, 2026, and the National Democratic Congress’ Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries on Feb. 7, 2026. Those matters are currently before the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The bill proposes a new regulatory framework under a dedicated section on campaign financing. It would restrict political contributions to Ghanaian citizens and Ghanaian-registered entities, while prohibiting foreign and anonymous donations.
Under the proposal, individual contributions would be capped at GH¢500,000 for presidential candidates and GH¢100,000 for parliamentary candidates. Campaign expenditure limits would be set at GH¢5 million for presidential races and GH¢500,000 for parliamentary contests.
The legislation also seeks to establish a Political Parties Development Fund, to be administered by the Electoral Commission, to provide partial public financing to political parties and candidates. Allocations would be based on electoral performance, with annual audits conducted by the Auditor-General and reports made public.
Oversight and enforcement would be strengthened through collaboration between the Electoral Commission and the Office of the Special Prosecutor. Sanctions for non-compliance would include administrative penalties, fines and possible disqualification.
Citing international best practices, the MP noted that more than 180 countries regulate political finance through measures such as contribution limits, public funding mechanisms, expenditure caps and independent oversight. Countries including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom have adopted such systems to promote transparency and reduce undue influence in politics.
If passed, the bill is expected to enhance transparency in political financing, reduce financial barriers for women and youth, strengthen accountability and curb the monetization of politics. Parliament is expected to consider the bill in the coming weeks.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
