National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has suggested that the Government of Ghana should finance internal political party elections, arguing that the move could help reduce corruption and excessive spending in the country’s political system.
Speaking on political financing and electoral reforms, Asiedu Nketiah said the rising cost of organizing party primaries places a heavy financial burden on political parties and aspiring candidates.
According to him, many parties rely on high filing fees and private funding to conduct internal elections. He believes this practice contributes to the growing monetization of politics in Ghana.
Asiedu Nketiah argued that the Electoral Commission (EC) should receive public funding to organize and supervise internal party elections, just as it conducts national elections.
He said internal party contests play a vital role in Ghana’s democratic process because they determine the candidates who eventually contest parliamentary and presidential elections.
According to the NDC Chairman, public financing would reduce the financial pressure on aspirants and create a fairer electoral environment within political parties.
He also suggested that lowering campaign costs could reduce the temptation for politicians to recover election expenses through corrupt practices after assuming public office.
The issue of political party financing has remained a subject of debate in Ghana for many years. While political parties are privately organized institutions, governance experts have argued that the increasing cost of internal elections can create unequal opportunities and encourage undue financial influence.
Supporters of public funding say it could improve transparency, reduce excessive campaign spending and strengthen democratic participation. However, others believe any state funding should be accompanied by strict accountability measures, spending limits and stronger disclosure requirements.
Ghana currently provides public resources for the conduct of national elections through the Electoral Commission. However, internal party elections are financed by the political parties themselves.
Asiedu Nketiah’s proposal is expected to contribute to ongoing discussions on electoral reforms and political financing as stakeholders consider measures to improve transparency, fairness and accountability in Ghana’s democratic system.
No formal government policy has yet been announced regarding public funding for internal party elections.
