Professor Kobby Mensah, a political marketing strategist, argues that the monetization of politics in Ghana stems from failed leadership. He claims that political leaders, unable to fulfill their democratic mandates, resort to bribing voters to retain power.
“The job given to political leaders comes with clear mandates,” Mensah stated during an X-Space discussion. “When they fail and still want to cling to power, they induce the electorate with money.”
The event, organized by Citizens for Fair Politics, focused on combating vote-buying ahead of the 2024 General Election. The group, operating under the motto “Sell your vote; mortgage your future,” aims to engage in policy discussions to reduce the monetization of politics in Ghana. Many Ghanaian youth participated in the online discussion, sharing insights on minimizing political monetization.
Ghana has practiced multiparty democracy since its 1992 constitution and has held eight successful elections. However, the lead-up to the 2024 elections has seen accusations of candidates bribing party delegates to secure nominations. Civil society organizations (CSOs) have expressed concern over this trend.
The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) reports that winning a presidential election in Ghana now costs at least $100 million. Parliamentary candidates need at least $4 million. This high cost of elections exacerbates the monetization of politics.
Professor Mensah believes the issue stems from a lack of political consciousness and ideology among voters. He calls for deliberate efforts to prioritize competence over financial influence in elections. “To end this challenge, citizens must respond to their conscience,” he said. “Voting is a conscientious activity. If you appeal to your ideology, you won’t take money to vote.”
He also urged the media to investigate how political parties finance their campaigns. By probing these financial sources, the media can help uncover the extent of vote-buying and bring accountability to political financing.
Citizens for Fair Politics plans to continue hosting discussions and policy debates to address these issues. Their goal is to foster a more transparent and fair electoral process in Ghana. Engaging both online and in-person, they hope to influence voters to reject financial inducements and demand genuine leadership.
As the 2024 elections approach, the focus on reducing monetization in politics becomes even more critical. Ghana’s democratic integrity depends on the electorate’s ability to choose leaders based on merit rather than money. Efforts to raise awareness and promote political consciousness are essential to achieving this goal.
In conclusion, addressing the monetization of politics in Ghana requires a multifaceted approach. Political leaders must be held accountable for their actions, and voters must be educated on the importance of integrity in the electoral process. By doing so, Ghana can move towards a more democratic and transparent political landscape.
Source: Ghana Web
