The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, has expressed worry about the growing monetisation of politics in the country, cautioning that the practice undermines multiparty democracy in the country.
Speaking at a forum in Accra on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, she urged Ghanaians to critically assess the origins of the monies distributed during election campaigns.
“We have talked about money in politics, and the thrust of the issue is that everybody should pause and ask themselves a couple of questions: where is the money coming from? The fact that somebody is sharing money should not be met with excitement to take your share. Instead, as citizens, we should ask ourselves, ‘Where is this money coming from?'” she stated.
Kathleen Addy further indicated that politicians who resort to such practices often prioritise repaying their debts over serving the public.
This, she argued, shifts their focus from governance to debt repayment and creates a cycle of seeking for money for future elections.
“If we elect people who have acquired debt just to win elections, their focus will not be on delivering on their mandate. Instead, they will focus on finding ways to recover and repay that money, with interest, and prepare for the next election. This works against our collective interest and stunts national development,” she emphasised.
The NCCE Chairperson entreated citizens to reconsider their roles in perpetuating the culture of money-sharing, urging a collective shift towards accountability and integrity in the political process.
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