Samuel Appiah Darko, Director of Strategy, Research and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), has called for the establishment of an independent Political Party Finance Audit Committee to strengthen transparency and accountability in Ghana’s electoral process.
Speaking at a conference on campaign financing transparency organised by Transparency International Ghana on Friday, June 27, in Accra, Mr. Samuel Darko stressed the urgent need to reduce the cost of running for political office.
He raised concerns about the Electoral Commission’s current dual role as both referee and regulator, arguing that it undermines public trust and fails to provide adequate oversight of party financing.
“Ghana should explore the creation of an independent political audit committee, similar to what exists in Norway,” he noted.
He added: “This body would operate separately from the election organisers and could include representatives from the Audit Service, the OSP, and the judiciary, headed by a judge. It would leverage existing expertise and infrastructure, and operate with a dedicated budget, rather than functioning as a separate office.”
His proposal forms part of broader calls for comprehensive electoral and campaign finance reform, aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s democracy from the growing influence of money in politics.