The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has revealed that the cost of winning a presidential election in Ghana has increased to approximately $200 million. This trend has raised concerns about the sustainability and inclusiveness of the country’s democratic process.
During an Open Society event in Accra, the Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, cautioned that the escalating financial burden of elections could exclude capable leaders who lack access to significant resources. “I estimate that you need about $200 million to win a presidential contest. How many of you here are likely to reach that level of funding? Even at the parliamentary or primary level, it is nearly impossible for many candidates,” Prof. Prempeh stated.
He further warned that such trends threaten Ghana’s democratic and developmental goals, emphasising that politics may increasingly become the domain of the wealthy and well-connected. “We cannot have that kind of democracy and expect it to be developmental. So, we need to worry about our campaign financing and regulating our internal party democracy,” he stressed.
CDD-Ghana’s call adds to ongoing debates about campaign financing reforms in Ghana, with civil society groups urging stronger regulations to ensure fairness, accountability, and inclusivity in the political system.
Source: Sammi Wiafe
