The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has disclosed that the cost of winning a presidential election in Ghana has risen to about $200 million, sparking concerns about the sustainability and inclusiveness of the country’s democratic process.
Speaking at an Open Society event in Accra, the Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, cautioned that the growing financial burden of elections risks shutting out capable leaders who do not have access to vast resources.
“I think you need about $200 million to win a presidential contest. How many of you here are ever going to be in that category or cohort of candidates? Even at the parliamentary level or at the primary level, it is nearly impossible for many of you,” Prof. Prempeh said.
He further warned that such trends undermine Ghana’s democratic and developmental aspirations, noting that politics risks becoming the preserve of the wealthy and well-connected.
“We cannot have that kind of democracy and expect it to be developmental. So, we need to worry about our campaign financing and regulating our internal party democracy,” he stressed.
CDD-Ghana’s call adds to ongoing debates about campaign financing reforms in Ghana, with civil society groups urging stronger regulations to ensure fairness, accountability, and inclusivity in the political system.
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Source: www.kumasimail.com
