The 2024 elections in Ghana will cost an estimated GH 786.9 million ($52 million), requiring potential additional funding due to rising expenses. Winning a presidential election could demand GH 1.5 billion ($100 million), with concerns about the impact of illicit funds on electoral integrity, necessitating reforms in campaign financing laws.
The upcoming 2024 elections in Ghana have raised significant concerns over the cost of conducting elections and political financing. Ghana’s Electoral Commission budgeted about GH 786.9 million (approximately $52 million) for the upcoming elections. However, there are calls for an additional GH 140 million ($9.3 million) to cover various electoral expenses. Furthermore, estimates suggest that to win a presidential election in Ghana, candidates may need to spend no less than GH 1.5 billion (around $100 million). Survey data indicates that funds sourced from illicit activities are increasingly influencing political campaigns, exposing the risk of corruption within the electoral process. Ghanaian legislation regulates campaign financing, requiring disclosure of funding sources, yet loopholes persist that enable candidates to receive foreign contributions indirectly. As campaigning intensifies, various costs such as media advertisements, constituency projects, and remuneration for polling agents continue to contribute to the financial burden of elections in Ghana, igniting debates on the sustainability of such expenditures in a country facing economic challenges.
The article examines the escalating costs and financing issues associated with elections in Ghana, highlighting concerns about corruption and the influence of illicit funding on political candidates. It presents statistics from previous election expenditures, including specifics of budget allocations by the Electoral Commission and projected costs for the 2024 elections. Additionally, the article discusses the broader implications of these financial demands on democracy and governance in Ghana, emphasizing the urgency for legislative reforms to enhance transparency in campaign financing.
In summary, the financial landscape of elections in Ghana demonstrates an alarming trend towards increased expenditures and reliance on possibly illicit funding sources, which jeopardizes the integrity of the democratic process. For the 2024 elections, significant financial commitments are required from candidates and political parties, raising questions about the sustainability of such practices amidst economic hardships. Comprehensive reforms in campaign financing regulation are crucial to ensure a fair electoral environment in Ghana.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
