Mr Michael Kwame Boadi, Fundraising Manager at Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) has expressed fear that the integrity of the 2024 elections could be compromised if the monetisation of political campaign in the country is not checked. To him, monetisation of political campaigns in the country could deny the citizens free and fair elections.
According to him, a recent CDD report had stated that the cost of political campaign had increased by 59% from 2016 to 2020, pitching the cost of political campaign to about US300,000 to elect a parliamentarian in Ghana.
Speaking at a Zonal Workshop for Youth Leaders, which included some selected Assembly members, political parties, Non-Governmental Organisations and the media from the Ashanti, Western and Western North regions, Mr Boadi noted that taking into consideration an MP’s average monthly salary of GHc¢20,000 it would take about three to four years to be able to pay off that debt.
He also disclosed that the CDD study further shows that there are incidents where persons engage in serious organised crime that involves political party financing and that this practice robs the country of the integrity of elections.
The theme for the workshop was: “Securing Ghana’s Stability during the 2024 Elections against Serious and Organised Crime Threats.”
The GII manager suggested that moves be made to reduce the effects of Serious Organised Crime during elections in Ghana to ensure free and fair elections.
He also reiterated the need to meet the youth groups because they are the victims and the perpetrators of the Serious Organised Crime with the hope that they would spread the message to ensure that the crime is reduced in the 2024 general elections.
Petra de-Graft-Johnson, Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC) Officer, on behalf of Madam Mary Adda, Executive Director of Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) stated that the workshop was geared towards addressing a matter of paramount importance in safeguarding Ghana’s stability in the face of Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) threats during the upcoming 2024 elections.
According to her, the momentous occasion marks a collaborative effort between key Civil Society Organisations which includes the Ghana Integrity Initiative, in consortium with the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), that have all generously supported the course with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
She noted that the gravity of the challenges posed by Serious and Organised Crime and its corrosive impact on the democratic fabric of Ghana cannot be overstated, adding that in response to these concerns they stand united in a collective effort to increase public awareness on the issues of SOC and its attendant corruption during and post elections.
She said the collaboration exemplifies the power of partnerships and collective action in confronting challenges that transcend individual capacities.
According to the GIIÂ Executive Director, their dedication to transparency, integrity and good governance serves as a beacon for others to follow.
She stated that they embarked on a strategic and multi-faceted approach with the aim to develop a comprehensive strategy to identify, prevent and combat serious and organised crime that may jeopardise the upcoming 2024 elections in Ghana.
The strategy, she said, like a well-crafted symphony, requires the harmonious collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness.
She indicated that they recognise the pivotal role of the youth in shaping the destiny of our nation, hence engaging them in comprehensive civic education programmes as a conscious investment in building a well-informed electorate.
She said that awareness, as the cornerstone of civic participation, will be enhanced through programmes that enable the youth to comprehend the consequences of serious and organised crime on the electoral process.
