Stephen Atubiga, a former member of the National Democratic Congress and now leader of the National Liberation Congress, has issued a stern warning about the pervasive corruption in Ghanaian politics, attributing it significantly to voter behavior. Atubiga emphasized the detrimental impact of the monetization of Ghana’s elections, stating that corruption will continue until voters stop exchanging their votes for monetary incentives.
Atubiga highlighted the troubling trend of political party delegates demanding money from candidates vying for internal party positions, including potential lawmakers and presidential candidates. This practice, according to him, has not only become commonplace but also extends to national elections, turning them into hotbeds of corruption. “The commercialization of our electoral process has planted the seeds of corruption in politicians,” Atubiga argued.
According to Atubiga, when politicians are compelled to pay for votes, they enter office with the intention of recouping their expenses, thus prioritizing personal financial recovery over national development. He criticized the current electoral system where the focus of voters and even community leaders like chiefs is more on the financial and material gains from candidates rather than their policies or the substance of their campaigns.
Atubiga called for a fundamental shift in the electoral culture of Ghana. He urged Ghanaians to value free votes based on the candidates’ vision and capabilities rather than their financial contributions. “Only when we start electing leaders based on their brains and vision, rather than their wallets, can we truly tackle the root causes of corruption,” he stated
The culture of transactional voting, Atubiga noted, diverts attention from critical policy discussions and hampers effective governance. He stressed the importance of changing voter attitudes to break the cycle of corruption that undermines the country’s progress. “As long as the electorate prioritizes monetary rewards over good governance, the cycle of corruption is likely to persist,” he concluded.
In a compelling call to action, Atubiga challenges both voters and political leaders in Ghana to rethink their roles in the electoral process, aiming to cultivate a political environment where integrity and policy take precedence over financial influence.
Source: Ghana Web
