Accra — April 15, 2025:
Former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, is calling for urgent amendments to Ghana’s asset declaration regime, as concerns over the rising cost of politics and its link to corruption deepen.
Her comments follow the release of a recent report by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), which highlights the staggering financial demands involved in contesting elections. According to the report, it now takes an estimated $150 million to win a presidential election in Ghana, while a parliamentary seat requires an investment of around GHS 10 million.
The report points to the growing monetization of Ghana’s electoral process, warning that the high cost of political campaigns is entrenching corruption and eroding accountability in public office.
Asset Declaration: A Tool Against Corruption
Speaking at the launch of the report, Charlotte Osei, who also serves as a member of the Constitutional Review Committee, underscored the importance of strengthening asset declaration laws as a critical safeguard against corruption.
“For some reason, even though the Constitution requires that public officials — including general managers of state-owned enterprises or entities where the state has an interest — declare their assets, I’m not sure this has been fully enforced,” Madam Osei noted.
She further advocated for a more stringent and verifiable declaration system, suggesting that thorough oversight could improve public trust and accountability.http://Myjoyonline.com
“If we had a system where assets are declared upon assuming office, and those declarations are rigorously verified, it would significantly help the fight against corruption,” she added.
The Road Ahead
The CDD-Ghana report and Charlotte Osei’s recommendations have reignited the conversation about electoral reform and the need for transparency in Ghana’s governance system, particularly as the nation prepares for future elections.
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Source: Myjoyonline
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