The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has disclosed that the estimated cost to secure a presidential election victory in Ghana is around $150 million, while obtaining a parliamentary seat requires approximately $600,000.
The CDD indicates that the substantial financial requirements of political campaigns significantly contribute to corruption within the nation. Dr. Kojo Asante, the Director of Programmes at CDD-Ghana, voiced serious concerns regarding this issue during a presentation to the Constitutional Review Committee.
He remarked, ‘When political figures, whether appointed or elected, assume office after expending considerable sums from internal party processes to national elections, CDD estimates that the cost to win a parliamentary seat is roughly $650,000, equivalent to about GH¢10 million, and between $100 million and $150 million for the presidency.’
Dr. Asante further noted, ‘This financial strain creates a distorted incentive for officeholders to recover campaign costs through corrupt practices.’
