By Emmanuel Oti Acheampong
Government’s Spokesperson on security and governance, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has admonished Ghanaians and political party supporters not to expect anything if they collect money from people who contest for parliamentary memberships and other political positions in their various constituencies.
“If you take money to influence your decisions and thoughts, then you don’t expect the individual to do anything for you when he comes into office,” he said.
Speaking on what wins elections in Ghana, Mr. Boakye mentioned that, aside from the season, policy directions, voting patterns, and personality factors, money remains key when it comes to election matters.
He mentioned that a lot of money goes into the organisation and running of even a constituency election, and anytime there is election, delegates see that as cocoa season to make money from politicians. He stressed that it becomes extremely difficult when vying politicians present viable ideas, policies, motors, and other stuff to electorates for votes, and the same delegates come back requesting support after the elections.
Mr. Boakye therefore called for broader discussions and conversations on money as an influencing factor in the election and choosing of political representatives. According to him, if money continues to be an influencing factor in elections, it will take people who have the right desire to serve out of political discourse.
“We need to have a real broader conversation on money, because money shouldn’t be an influencing factor; if not it will take people who have the right desire to serve out of the political landscape, which might not be good,” he added.