The Chief of Apremdo, Nana Egya Kwamina XI, has blamed citizens for contributing to the growing practice of vote buying in Ghana’s political space, arguing that some voters encourage politicians to use money to influence elections.
According to him, the demand for financial inducements from politicians has eroded citizens’ integrity and enabled politicians to divert development resources into vote-buying.
Nana Egya Kwamina XI made the remarks at the Western Regional edition of Adom Brands’ “Democracy Is Not For Sale” forum held at the Takoradi Library.
The forum brought together citizens and key stakeholders to discuss the increasing influence of money in Ghana’s democratic process, including vote-buying, campaign financing, the rising cost of political participation, and illicit funding in elections.
The Apremdo Chief said societal values and upbringing have contributed to the acceptance of questionable sources of wealth, which politicians often exploit during election periods.
“Sometimes the upbringing is what grows to that stage. They say charity begins at home. We are encouraging people with rich lifestyles where their source of income is unknown, and that is what politicians are taking advantage of,” he said.
He explained that funds that should be invested in national development are sometimes diverted into sharing money among voters, while citizens later accuse politicians of failing to deliver development projects.
“The money supposed to be used for development is what they share among the people. When we finish collecting the money, then we now blame the politicians of lack of development,” he added.
The Chief urged citizens to reject attempts by politicians to influence their votes with money and other gifts, insisting that development should take precedence over short-term gains.
“We are all involved. We should avoid inducement. When a politician approaches you with something, tell him to use it for development. We have lost our integrity. We are the ones helping the politicians to do what they do,” he stated.
The “Democracy Is Not For Sale” initiative seeks to create awareness about the dangers of vote buying and promote a more accountable and issue-based electoral culture in Ghana.
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