The Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua, will today, Friday, August 28, 2026, host a significant public dialogue on the escalating influence of money in Ghana’s democratic process. The forum, dubbed ‘Democracy Is Not for Sale,’ is being organized by Adom Brands of the Multimedia Group Limited in partnership with the JoyNews Impact Makers Foundation. The event is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at the Ascension Hall in Koforidua. The engagement aims to bring together political actors, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, youth groups, community representatives, and the general public to discuss the increasing role of money in Ghanaian politics and its implications for democracy. Key issues expected to dominate the discussion include vote buying, the rising cost of political participation, campaign financing, and illicit funds used to influence electoral processes and outcomes. The forum will also provide citizens with an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns, contributing ideas on how Ghana can strengthen transparency, accountability, and fairness in the financing of political activities. The growing influence of money has become a major concern in Ghana’s electoral politics, with questions being raised about whether financial power is increasingly determining who gets the opportunity to participate and compete effectively. The cost of securing party nominations, organizing campaigns, mobilising supporters, transporting voters, producing campaign materials, and maintaining political structures can be substantial, creating significant barriers to political participation. For individuals without substantial financial resources, these demands can severely restrict their ability to engage in the political process. The ‘Democracy Is Not for Sale’ campaign seeks to examine whether the rising cost of politics is gradually altering the nature of democratic competition in Ghana. Beyond the monetary value, participants are expected to scrutinize where campaign funds originate, how they are utilized, who benefits, and whether financial influence can distort voter choices. Vote buying, the practice of offering money, goods, or other inducements to voters in exchange for electoral support, has long been a concern among democracy advocates. Critics argue that such practices undermine voter independence and shift electoral decisions away from policies, competence, and long-term community interests. The concern extends beyond direct cash payments, with campaign-period distribution of food, gifts, transportation, and other benefits also raising questions about the extent to which financial inducements have become normalised in electoral competition. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the long-term consequences of such practices and how they affect the credibility of Ghana’s elections. The organizers state the Koforidua dialogue is intended to go beyond partisan interests and focus on the broader question of what kind of democracy Ghana wants to build. Discussions are anticipated to generate practical recommendations on campaign financing, electoral accountability, and citizen participation while raising awareness about the risks associated with money politics. Ultimately, the message of the campaign remains clear: democracy should be a contest of ideas, leadership, and vision, not a competition determined by who has the deepest pockets. The Koforidua dialogue is intended to challenge stakeholders to consider ways of creating a political environment where candidates can compete based on their ideas, policies, competence, and ability to serve the public. The campaign will challenge stakeholders to consider how to foster a political environment where candidates can effectively compete based on these qualities, rather than solely relying on financial resources.”}
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Source: Adom Online
