Money Politics and Weak Party Structures Threaten Internal Democracy – Analyst

A political and economic policy analyst, Dr. Eric Bempong, has warned that the increasing influence of money in Ghana’s internal party processes is eroding democratic principles and weakening political party structures.

Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, Dr. Bempong said the growing monetisation of internal elections is sidelining committed and enlightened party members, while rewarding those with financial power.

According to him, delegates who show independence or critical thinking are often deliberately excluded from the process, particularly during internal elections.

“In some constituencies, if you want to be a delegate and you are seen as enlightened, by the time voting takes place, you won’t even hear anything,” he stated.

Dr. Bempong stressed that party members who genuinely believe in the party’s ideals should be the ones participating in decision-making, not those who treat the party as a means of personal financial gain.

He further alleged that vote-buying has become widespread, with some delegates receiving about GH₵3,500 each, a practice he described as damaging to democratic credibility.

“When you multiply that amount by a minimum of 726 delegates, it tells you how much money is being used to distort the process,” he said.

The analyst argued that the use of money has replaced merit and service, weakening the party structures that once ensured discipline, accountability, and leadership grooming.

Dr. Bempong recalled that in the past, aspiring constituency executives had to rise through the ranks and demonstrate commitment before being considered for leadership positions, a system he said has largely collapsed.

He also pointed to leadership challenges within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as an example of how weakened structures affect party stability.

“If this is how parties operate today, would they still attract the calibre of leaders they once had?” he asked.

Dr. Bempong called for urgent reforms to curb vote-buying, strengthen internal party institutions, and restore confidence in Ghana’s democratic process, warning that failure to act could have long-term consequences for national development.