Since the re-introduction of multi-party democracy in 1992, Ghana’s democracy has been touted as one of the most outstanding democracies across the African continent. In the 28 years of practicing constitutional Democracy, the country has had seven presidential and parliamentary elections with power alternating between the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party. In close to 30 years of Democracy in the country, a significant hiccup which has reared its head is the monetization of the country’s electoral politics.
It is in line with this growing but disturbing development that has led to a seminar by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) to De-monetize the electoral politics of Ghana. The theme for the seminar was “De-monetizing Electoral Politics, Strengthening Accountable Governance: Which way forward for Ghana”.
The seminar saw panelists sharing various perspectives on how the sharing of money and freebies has become an integral part of our democracy. Majority leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, was of the view that the act of electing political officers to all positions have accounted for the monetization of our electoral politics. According to him, the phenomenon of election throughout has given polling station, local, constituencies executives of various parties a “king and queen makers” status thereby extorting money in the process.
He backed his suggestion with Article 55/5 of the Constitution which stipulates national executives of a political party shall be chosen or selected.
He observed that parliamentarians who excel in their constituencies and also in parliamentary duties should also not be subjected to elections and be protected. This according to him will reduce the elective process and its attendant demand for money every step of the way.
Making his submission, 2nd Deputy Speaker of parliament, Alban Bagbin, said some parliamentarians spend more than two years of their salaries to campaign. A situation he says does not auger well for Ghana’s democracy as these MPs will be forced to look for other avenues to recoup their monies. He queried why it was necessary to go for elections to fill every position in the public sphere. His question buttressed a point earlier made by the minority leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu.
Flagbearer of the Progressive Peoples Party, Bridgette Dzorbenuku was of the view that monocracy was gradually overwhelming the system as the major political parties are also being frustrated by the development just like the smaller political parties. She added that, the National Commission for Civic Education ought to be resourced adequately to educate electorates on the essence of elections rather than demanding for freebies from candidates. As part of the many ways of dealing with the canker, she added that political parties must be made to file their audited accounts.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com|Bernard Lav