Eastern Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah, has issued a stark warning and called for immediate action to curb the escalating influence of money and inducements within Ghana’s democratic processes. Her remarks, delivered at a public dialogue titled ‘Democracy Is Not For Sale’ in Koforidua, underscore a growing concern about the erosion of merit and integrity within the political landscape. According to Ankrah, the increasing use of money and gifts to sway voters has created a significant threat to the country’s fundamental values, demanding a proactive response before it becomes further entrenched in societal norms. “We are always making the laws, yet we do a different thing,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for a decisive approach to combat this insidious practice,” she stated. The forum, organized by Adom Brands in partnership with the JoyNews Impact Makers Foundation, convened at the Ascension Hall, Koforidua, attracting a diverse audience of political observers, civic leaders, and media representatives. The core of Ankrah’s message revolved around the alarming trend of corruption and vote-buying, which she described as deeply concerning and potentially catastrophic for the nation’s future. “If we all don’t unite to confront this issue, it will consume us more than it has done thus far,” she warned, emphasizing the critical importance of collective effort. The discussion highlighted a significant shift in public perception of politics, with many Ghanaians increasingly viewing selflessness and genuine service as less valued in leadership positions. “Ghanaians perceive there is no selflessness in politics anymore,” she said, further emphasizing that the culture of inducement has infiltrated various levels of society, particularly within primary schools, where children are reportedly offered gifts to secure votes during school elections. Specifically, she described a troubling practice where children, even by providing pens or pencils, are incentivized to vote for their colleagues. “It has gotten all the way to our primary schools, where they bribe their colleagues by giving them gifts, even pens or pencils, so they elect them for prefectship,” she detailed, illustrating the extent of this practice. Ankrah argued that this phenomenon represents a significant risk to the integrity of the democratic process and necessitates a national conversation. “We need to all come together and accept that we have a problem and find ways to curb the situation,” she urged, advocating for a concerted effort involving all stakeholders – including citizens, political parties, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and relevant governmental bodies. The forum opened with a livestream documenting the discussions and announcements of the ‘Democracy Is Not For Sale’ initiative. The event underscored the urgency of addressing this challenge, with Ankrah stressing the need for a fundamental reassessment of the current political landscape and a renewed commitment to upholding principles of merit, integrity, and accountability within Ghana’s democratic structures.” The forum is scheduled to continue for several days, with a focus on exploring strategies to mitigate the influence of money in political campaigns and bolster public trust in the electoral system. The event is expected to generate significant discussion and potentially influence policy decisions regarding election administration and campaign finance regulations. ” The discussion underscores the critical importance of addressing this issue, and the long-term implications for the stability and legitimacy of Ghana’s democratic system.”””,
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Source: Adom Online
