GhanaWeb reports on a call made by Dr. George Ayisi Boateng, former Ghana High Commissioner to South Africa, urging the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leadership to investigate and punish Hon. Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, former Member of Parliament for Ejisu, who is accused of participating in alleged bribery. This case is seen as a test to address the issue of bribery and corruption that affects Ghana’s 4th Republican democratic dispensation.
According to the allegations, Hon. Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, a former Roads Minister, openly admitted on a local television network to paying a total of three million Ghana Cedis (Gh₵3,000,000.00) to influence his selection during the NPP parliamentary primaries in 2020. He allegedly paid each of the 600 delegates five thousand Ghana Cedis (Gh₵5,000.00) to secure their endorsement.
The report raises questions about the influence of financial inducements on the electoral process in Ghana. It explores the responsibility of voters who demand payments for their votes and the implications this has for perpetuating corruption within Ghanaian society. The article suggests that such practices create a corrupt system where elected officials feel obliged to recoup their campaign expenses, leading to compromised governance and misuse of public resources.
The article also highlights the challenges faced during the presidential selection process, where candidates must navigate the demands of party members and secure significant financial resources. The cost of campaigning, including payments to party members and other expenses, can reach billions of Ghana Cedis, making it difficult for any government to genuinely combat corruption.
The author emphasizes the urgent need for electoral reforms in Ghana. They propose measures such as full disclosure of campaign funds and expenditures, auditing by international firms, and the publication of audited reports in recognized newspapers. The article also suggests imposing limits on individual contributions to political parties, prohibiting foreign contributions, and criminalizing funds derived from illegal activities. Additionally, calls are made for the disclosure of assets and liabilities of presidential candidates before and after their term in office.
The piece concludes by urging citizens to actively participate in bringing about change and advocating for a new political paradigm. It emphasizes the importance of holding politicians accountable and reevaluating immunities granted to former presidents. The article contends that unless significant changes are made, Ghana will continue to grapple with corruption and the mismanagement of public resources.