A former parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened up about the often-unseen financial burdens aspiring politicians face during election campaigns, shedding light on the intense and sometimes unusual expenses involved in trying to win political power in Ghana.
Speaking in a recent interview, the ex-candidate revealed that contesting for political office in Ghana goes far beyond printing posters and organizing rallies.
According to him, candidates are often forced to fund a wide range of community needs ranging from paying school fees and hospital bills to buying coffins for bereaved families in their constituencies in order to gain favor and loyalty from voters.
“Politics in Ghana is very expensive. You don’t just file to contest and sit back. You need to spend money almost every day. People will come to you with all kinds of requests.
You’re expected to pay school fees, rent, hospital expenses and yes, even buy coffins when someone dies,” he disclosed.
He described these financial commitments as a form of “indirect vote buying,” explaining that while it is not illegal, it creates an uneven playing field that favors wealthier candidates over more competent, less affluent ones.
“In some communities, if you don’t meet these expectations, they see you as uncaring or unfit to represent them,” he added.
His revelations have sparked a conversation about the high cost of political participation in Ghana and the need for reforms to ensure a fairer democratic process.
Critics argue that such practices entrench corruption, as politicians often seek to recover their campaign expenses once elected, undermining public trust in governance.
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