Social critic Sir Richard has renewed calls for the abolition of the delegate system used by Ghana’s political parties, arguing that it encourages vote buying, discourages competent individuals from seeking leadership positions, and ultimately undermines the country’s democratic process.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s EBAANOSEN with host Ohene Kennah, Sir Richard said the practice of providing delegates with transportation, meals, accommodation and other financial incentives during internal party elections has shifted the focus from merit to money.
According to him, many delegates now expect aspirants to cover their transportation and other expenses before casting their votes. He described the trend as unhealthy, stressing that delegates are party members who should willingly participate in internal elections without demanding financial rewards.
Sir Richard argued that the current system disadvantages many capable and hardworking individuals who possess the vision and competence to lead but lack the financial resources to compete with wealthier aspirants. He maintained that leadership should be determined by a candidate’s integrity, vision, competence and commitment to public service, rather than their financial strength.
He further questioned why political parties continue to tolerate practices that encourage financial inducements, insisting that party executives and national leadership have a responsibility to enforce rules that curb vote buying and restore discipline to their internal electoral processes.
According to him, unless meaningful reforms are introduced, political parties will continue to produce leaders who are more concerned with recovering campaign expenditures than serving the interests of party members and the wider public.
Sir Richard therefore appealed to the leadership of all political parties, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to collaborate on reforms that will eliminate practices that foster corruption and promote transparency in internal elections.
He concluded that replacing the delegate system with a more inclusive, merit-based approach would strengthen political parties, enhance democratic governance and contribute to Ghana’s national development.
By: Ernest Kumi
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