Vote-Buying And The Influence Of Money In Our Elections Is Really Recoming A Cancer-Lamtiig Apanga

According to a report by Citi FM on Tuesday October 27, 2026, the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, Lamtiig A. Apanga, has raised concerns about the increasing influence of money in elections, warning that vote-buying is becoming a serious threat to the country’s democratic development.

He has called for a national dialogue to address the growing practice of offering financial inducements to voters, particularly during internal political party elections, where candidates compete for positions and influence through various means.

Speaking on the issue, Apanga expressed concern about the extent to which money is shaping electoral decisions, arguing that the trend is becoming increasingly alarming and requires urgent attention from political leaders, party executives, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

“Vote-buying and the influence of money in our elections is really becoming a cancer,” he stated.

His remarks highlight growing concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s electoral processes, especially within political parties, where internal contests are expected to provide a fair opportunity for aspirants to win support based on their competence, track records, ideas and commitment to party development.

According to Apanga, the growing influence of financial inducements in elections raises important questions about the principles guiding political participation and leadership selection.

The practice could undermine the ability of party members to make independent decisions when choosing candidates to represent their interests.

Vote-buying has remained a contentious issue in Ghanaian politics, with concerns frequently raised about the distribution of cash, gifts and other material benefits to influence electoral choices.

Although competition for political positions is an essential feature of democracy, the use of money to secure votes can weaken confidence in the credibility of the process.

Apanga’s call for a national dialogue suggests the need for a broader conversation about the causes and consequences of the practice, as well as practical measures to prevent financial inducements from becoming an accepted feature of elections.

Such a conversation could bring together political parties, electoral stakeholders, traditional leaders, religious organisations, anti-corruption advocates and members of the public to examine how vote-buying can be addressed through education, stronger internal party regulations and effective enforcement of existing rules.

Internal party elections are particularly important because they determine the individuals who emerge as candidates for major political contests.

When money becomes a dominant factor in these processes, concerns arise about whether successful aspirants have earned the genuine support of voters or benefited primarily from their financial resources.

The situation also raises questions about the future of political leadership, as candidates with limited financial means may struggle to compete against wealthier opponents, regardless of their experience, ideas or popularity among party members.

Apanga’s warning therefore adds to the wider debate about the need to protect democratic values and promote transparency in political contests.

Addressing vote-buying, he suggests, should not be left to individual political parties alone but should become a matter of national concern.

His comments also underscore the importance of encouraging voters to assess candidates on their policies, leadership qualities, integrity and ability to serve, rather than on immediate financial benefits offered during election campaigns.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, the challenge of money-driven politics remains an issue requiring sustained public attention.

A national dialogue could provide an opportunity for stakeholders to agree on measures that discourage vote-buying and restore confidence in the process of selecting political leaders.

Apanga’s description of vote-buying as a growing “cancer” serves as a warning about the potential long-term consequences of allowing financial inducements to influence electoral outcomes.

His call for collective action places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of political parties, candidates and voters to protect the credibility of Ghana’s democracy.

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