Stakeholders have called for stronger public commitment to combating vote buying and protecting the integrity of Ghana’s democracy at the Western Regional edition of Adom Brands’ “Democracy Is Not For Sale“ forum held at the Takoradi Library.
The forum brought together traditional leaders, government officials, civil society actors, students and members of the public to discuss the growing influence of money in Ghana’s electoral process and its impact on democratic governance.
Discussions focused on vote buying, campaign financing, the rising cost of political participation and the increasing influence of illicit funding in elections.
Participants expressed concern that the growing monetisation of elections is undermining free and fair polls, weakening accountability and diverting public resources away from development.
The Apremdo Chief, Nana Egya Kwamina XI, said citizens also bear responsibility for the persistence of vote buying by accepting money and gifts from politicians during election periods.
He urged voters to reject inducements and instead demand development projects and accountability from political leaders, stressing that resources used to influence voters could otherwise be invested in improving communities.
The traditional ruler also called on advocacy groups to hold chiefs accountable and ensure that traditional institutions remain free from partisan political influence. He further stressed the need for a change in the mindset of Ghanaians, saying national development requires a collective commitment to integrity and responsible citizenship.
Social commentator Charles Mintah warned that vote buying threatens the credibility of elections, arguing that democracy cannot produce free and fair elections when money determines electoral outcomes.
He said the practice often prevents the election of competent leaders and weakens accountability because voters who accept inducements may find it difficult to demand better governance from elected officials.
The Western Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Andrew Ofori Larbi, described vote buying as a worrying trend, revealing that an NCCE survey conducted in August 2024 across all 276 constituencies found that 64.3 per cent of 9,324 respondents believed vote buying influences voting decisions.
He noted that some voters are also influenced by cultural and spiritual beliefs, with some fearing they would be cursed if they accepted money from candidates but failed to vote for them.
Mr. Ofori Larbi further expressed concern that the practice is gradually becoming normalised among young people, citing instances where inducements are reportedly being used even in school elections.
The Western Regional Head of the Department of Gender, Mirabel Akuokor Okine, encouraged women to actively participate in public discussions and reject electoral inducements.
She said women are among the groups most frequently targeted through vote buying and urged them to make informed voting decisions based on policies and development rather than financial rewards.
According to her, women should have the confidence to speak up on national issues and recognise the long-term impact their electoral choices have on their families and communities.
The forum formed part of Adom Brands’ “Democracy Is Not For Sale” campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of vote buying and promote issue-based politics, accountability and active citizen participation in Ghana’s democratic process.
Participants agreed that safeguarding Ghana’s democracy is a shared responsibility and called on citizens to reject vote buying, hold leaders accountable and prioritise national development over short-term personal gains.
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