The Eastern Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah, has issued a stark warning against vote buying, emphasizing the critical importance of strict adherence to Ghana’s democratic laws, particularly those prohibiting bribery and inducements in elections. Her statement, delivered at a public dialogue dubbed ‘Democracy Is Not For Sale’ organized by Adom Brands of the Multimedia Group Limited in partnership with the JoyNews Impact Makers Foundation, underscores a growing concern about the influence of money in Ghana’s electoral landscape.
Ms. Ankrah highlighted that Ghana’s democratic system was deliberately established on laws agreed upon by citizens and institutions, and that selective enforcement of these laws is unacceptable. She questioned the lack of consistent application of existing legal frameworks in the face of increasing financial pressures surrounding elections.
Specifically, she cited Chapter Seven of the Constitution, which guarantees the right of eligible Ghanaians to vote and provides the legal framework for elections, stating, ‘There is nowhere in the Constitution that says you are allowed to bribe or collect bribes. It is so clear in the law; there is no ambiguity,’ she affirmed. However, acknowledging the socioeconomic challenges faced by some citizens, she noted that poverty can create conditions that encourage individuals to accept money or other inducements during elections.
She further elaborated that, while acknowledging the difficulties faced by citizens, she emphasized that ‘poorness makes us do a lot’ and urged citizens to recognize the long-term consequences of allowing money to influence their electoral choices. This call for vigilance and adherence to the principles of democratic integrity underscores a proactive stance against any form of corruption or undue influence within the electoral process. The event’s purpose is to raise public awareness about the escalating role of money in Ghana’s electoral politics and to encourage citizens to actively protect the integrity of the democratic process.
The dialogue, which began with a discussion about the challenges posed by money in Ghana’s electoral system, aims to promote a deeper understanding of the potential risks to democratic governance. Livestream: ‘Democracy Is Not For Sale’ forum opens in Koforidua, with the aim of addressing these concerns and fostering a culture of accountability within the electoral sphere. The forum will feature a series of presentations and discussions focusing on the legal and ethical implications of campaign finance and the importance of transparency in elections. The event is expected to draw a large audience, including political analysts, election officials, and concerned citizens.
According to a preliminary report from the Adom Brands team, the ‘Democracy Is Not For Sale’ initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen public engagement and promote a more transparent and accountable electoral system in Ghana. The discussion will involve expert insights into the legal implications of campaign finance and potential strategies for mitigating the risks associated with money in elections. The forum will also include a call for increased scrutiny of campaign spending and the strengthening of institutions tasked with ensuring election integrity. The event is scheduled to run for three days, starting today, with live coverage available on Adom Media’s platforms.
**Sources:** [Insert relevant news articles, official statements, and press releases here – these would be added here.]
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Source: Adom Online
