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Ghana Post Digital Address: GA-018-1233

GAAS Public Forum 2024 – National Elections In Ghana: Issues And Prospects

As Ghana approaches its upcoming elections on December 7, 2024, understanding the evolving political landscape and the pressing issues that will shape the nation’s future is more crucial than ever. The insights gathered from the 3- day Ghana Academy of Arts and Science (GAAS) Public Forum, held from June 24 to 26, 2024, are particularly important during this pivotal time. The forum served as a vital platform for dialogue among experts across various sectors of national development.

This year’s event which focused on the theme, “National Elections in Ghana: Issues and Prospects”, featured six distinguished speakers who contributed their insights on various aspects of the electoral landscape. Their presentations addressed key challenges and opportunities that could influence the outcomes of the upcoming elections.

GAAS Public Forum_2024_Banner (Large)

National Elections in Ghana: Issues and Prospects

As Ghana approaches its upcoming elections on December 7, 2024, understanding the evolving political landscape and the pressing issues that will shape the nation’s future is more crucial than ever. The insights gathered from the 3-day Ghana Academy of Arts and Science (GAAS) Public Forum, held from June 24 to 26, 2024, are particularly important during this pivotal time. The forum served as a vital platform for dialogue among experts across various sectors of national development.

This year’s event which focused on the theme, “National Elections in Ghana: Issues and Prospects”, featured six distinguished speakers who contributed their insights on various aspects of the electoral landscape. Their presentations addressed key challenges and opportunities that could influence the outcomes of the upcoming elections.

  1. POLICY AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF NATIONAL ELECTIONS IN GHANA BY PROF. ERNEST KOFI ABOTSI

Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Dean of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) Law School, discussed the critical role of the Electoral Commission (EC) in overseeing Ghana’s elections. While the EC is constitutionally mandated to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, it faces significant mistrust and controversy. To address this, Prof. Abotsi proposed broadening the appointment process for the EC’s leadership to better reflect the will of the people through wider stakeholder consultations, including opposition parties. Prof. Abotsi also highlighted the importance of curbing election violence, often tied to law enforcement and political operatives, to maintain peaceful elections.

He expressed concern over political financing, warning that illegal financiers such as illegal miners (galamsey operators) could compromise the integrity of political parties and undermine Ghana’s democracy. Commending the Supreme Court’s ruling on sharing collated election results for enhancing transparency, he urged the EC to continue fostering consensus among political stakeholders to build trust.

 He ended his lecture by calling on all Ghanaians to uphold the integrity and independence of the EC to protect the democratic process.

  1. CONTRIBUTION OF POLITICAL PARTIES TO NATIONAL ELECTIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT BY PROF. SEIDU ALIDU

Professor Seidu Alidu, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, delivered an insightful analysis of the role political parties play in shaping the electoral process and national development. Drawing on data from sources including the Afrobarometer and Human Development Index (HDI), he emphasized that political parties not only reflect the political will of the electorate but also have a significant impact on the country’s developmental trajectory.

However, he noted that Ghana’s political system often leans toward clientelism, where personal networks and patronage overshadow policy-driven agendas. This, he observed, undermines long-term accountability and national development. He stressed the need for parties to prioritize clear policies and ideologies rather than short-term electoral gains. While the legal framework, particularly Act 574, mandates political parties to disseminate political ideas and sponsor candidates, he noted that many parties fail to meet these obligations, focusing instead on immediate electoral victories without a long-term vision for national growth.

One of his primary concerns was political party financing, where the monetization of elections has led to increased corruption and diverted funds from crucial development efforts. He pointed out that political integrity is compromised when financial interests override policy-driven agendas.

Prof. Alidu also spoke about the rise of political vigilantism and electoral violence, warning that vigilante groups, often backed by political parties, pose a serious threat to the upcoming elections. He called on political parties to disband such groups and focus instead on promoting developmental platforms.

His recommendations for political reform included strengthening internal democracy within parties, prioritizing programmatic platforms, and ensuring the continuity of development projects initiated by previous governments. He also urged political parties to collaborate with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) to align their manifestos with long-term national development goals.

  1. REGULATING CAMPAIGN FINANCING FOR NATIONAL ELECTIONS: A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE, BY PETER MAC MANU

Former chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Peter Mac Manu, spoke about “Regulating Campaign Financing for National Elections: A Comparative Perspective.” He addressed critical issues surrounding the financial burden on political parties during the usually lengthy campaign period in Ghana. He proposed that campaigns should commence only after the Electoral Commission (EC) has received and approved the candidacy of aspirants, thereby making them eligible to contest in the elections. Such an adjusted campaign schedule, he argued, could alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with prolonged campaigning.

He discussed the implications of foreign funding in political parties, noting that while in the Political Parties Act funding of political parties by foreigners is a deportable offence, this regulation does not extend to individual candidates. This legal loophole is a significant issue, as candidates often receive substantial financial support from businesses seeking favors, whereas political parties themselves do not benefit in a similar manner.

Mr. Mac Manu cited findings from the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) that highlighted the high costs of running for parliamentary positions in Ghana, which averaged around 2 million Ghanaian cedis over several years leading up to a campaign. Interviews with financiers revealed a troubling trend where many felt compelled to finance candidates to secure contracts and protect their business interests amidst changing governments. He noted that while the costs of running for office in Ghana are lower compared to countries like Kenya and Uganda, where expenses can reach several hundred thousand dollars, the absence of defined campaign periods and regulations complicates the political landscape.

Mr. Mac Manu called for comprehensive campaign financing legislation separate from the current Political Parties Act. He reasoned that such legislation could involve creating a dedicated body to regulate political party financing and enhancing public awareness regarding the detrimental effects of monetized politics.

  1. MAKING POLITICAL PARTIES SOLVENT: ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES, BY WILLIAM NYARKO

In his presentation, Mr. William Nyarko emphasized the need for the government to strengthen political and legal frameworks to improve the financial stability of political parties in Ghana. He acknowledged that while political parties have historically used creative measures to fund campaigns, they face significant financial challenges today.

Mr. Nyarko pointed out that despite regulations prohibiting foreign funding, foreign contributions continue without proper oversight. He called for amendments to existing laws, including the Political Parties Act, to ensure they meet the current demands and realities of political financing. Additionally, he suggested that Ghana could learn from countries like Namibia, where foreign funding is permitted under strict disclosure rules.

Mr. Nyarko referenced research from the CDD and Afrobarometer which showed a significant decline in public support for state funding of political parties—from 53% in 2004 to 26.7% in 2022. Additionally, most Ghanaians are opposed to paying additional taxes to support political parties, presenting a challenge for sustainable financing.

To address these challenges, he proposed that political parties become more transparent and accountable by publishing their financial statements for public scrutiny. Drawing on examples from Kenya and the U.S., he advocated for public disclosure of party accounts. Although state funding is currently unpopular, he further argued that some form of support is necessary, suggesting a funding system that balances equality with proportionality.

Mr. Nyarko also proposed that Ghana revise its laws to allow corporate donations to political parties, provided there are limits and disclosure requirements. However, state-owned enterprises should be prohibited from making such donations. He encouraged political parties to modernize their operations to reduce costs by using virtual offices and leveraging technology to engage younger generations. He further suggested making political donations tax-deductible, a practice used in other countries, to incentivize contributions.

In conclusion, Mr. Nyarko highlighted the need for legal reforms and innovative funding strategies to ensure political parties in Ghana remain transparent, accountable, and financially sustainable.

  1. WOMEN REPRESENTATION IN NATIONAL ELECTIONS: HOW FAR HAVE WE GONE AND WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE? BY DR. MAAME GYEKYE-JANDOH

Dr. Maame Adwoa Gyekye-Jandoh, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department, delivered a stimulating lecture on women’s representation in Ghanaian national elections. She indicated that despite some progress, women’s representation in Parliament remains at only 14.5%, far below the 30% target established by the 1995 Beijing Declaration. To enhance women’s inclusion in politics, she recommended implementing a quota system to reserve specific parliamentary seats for women.

She noted that while some women have contested presidential and parliamentary positions since Ghana’s independence, the nation has yet to elect a woman as president or vice president. She referenced international frameworks advocating for gender parity, including the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and CEDAW, which Ghana ratified in 1986.

Dr. Gyekye-Jandoh analyzed the barriers to women’s political participation, categorizing them into political, socioeconomic, and psychological. Political barriers include male dominance in politics, lack of party support, insufficient financial resources for campaigns, and an electoral system that favours established candidates. Socioeconomic challenges pertain to limited access to education, high illiteracy rates, and the dual burden of domestic and professional responsibilities. Psychological barriers encompass women’s lack of confidence, the perception of politics as corrupt, and societal stereotypes that limit women’s roles.

Despite these challenges, she noted incremental progress in women’s representation since independence. She called for systemic changes to improve women’s representation, including the adoption of affirmative action policies and support from political parties for women’s candidacies. Drawing on examples from countries such as Sierra Leone and Benin, which have implemented quotas for female candidates, she highlighted the potential for similar reforms in Ghana.

She further stressed the importance of education and training to encourage women’s political participation from an early age, alongside societal efforts to challenge gender stereotypes.

In conclusion, Dr. Gyekye-Jandoh reiterated the need for bold measures in affirmative action, electoral financing, and education to strengthen women’s representation in Ghana.

  1. CIVIL SOCIETY AND WOMEN’S INCLUSIVENESS IN NATIONAL ELECTIONS: A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE AND LESSONS, BY MRS. SHEILA MINKAH-PREMO, ESQ

Mrs. Sheila A.Y. Minka-Premo, Senior Law Partner at Apex Law Consult, focused on the vital role of civil society in promoting women’s inclusiveness in national elections. She advocated for a National Civil Society Platform to unite women’s rights organizations, NGOs, academia, and religious groups, with the aim of amplifying women’s voices and bridging the gender gap in politics. She proposed that political parties provide financial support to women seeking political positions as an incentive for broader participation.

Mrs Minka-Premo outlined how civil society organizations (CSOs) are crucial in shaping political landscapes, distinct from government and profit-driven entities. She observed that in Ghana, CSOs have significantly advanced gender equality, particularly during elections. She also noted that the 1992 Constitution supports gender equality through provisions such as Article 17, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, and Articles 35 (5) and (6), which provide for gender inclusion in public appointments.

She reiterated the point made by Dr. Gyekye-Jandoh that although women constitute over 50% of the population, they remain underrepresented in Ghanaian politics, making up only 14.5% of the 275-member Parliament. “This underrepresentation, according to Mrs. Minka-Premo, is attributed to social and religious biases, high costs associated with political participation, and the absence of an affirmative action law. She noted that historically, the highest representation of women in Parliament was 18.5% in 1965.”

Drawing on international examples, Mrs. Minkah-Premo noted the success of countries like Rwanda, which implemented gender quotas resulting in over 60% female parliamentary representation, and Sierra Leone, where the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022 increased female representation to 30%.  Key challenges in Ghana persist, including entrenched cultural biases, a lack of supportive legislation, and financial barriers to electoral participation. However, CSOs continue to advocate for affirmative action and gender-sensitive electoral laws to help close the gender gap in politics.

She ended her presentation by noting that, while CSOs in Ghana have made significant progress in promoting women’s inclusiveness in national elections, challenges remain. Strengthened civil society efforts, combined with affirmative action laws, can enhance female representation and foster equitable political participation. She advocated the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill as a key ingredient for ensuring women’s inclusion in political decision-making processes.

THE 2024 PUBLIC FORUM AND GAAS’ MISSION

By facilitating discussions on topics such as women’s representation, civic participation, and electoral integrity, GAAS aims to enhance public understanding and engagement in the electoral process. This initiative aligns with its mission to promote knowledge that empowers citizens, fosters dialogue, and ultimately contributes to a more robust and equitable democratic framework in Ghana. The forum attracted a diverse audience, including Academy Fellows, media representatives, university students, and key players in Ghana’s political landscape as well as members of the public.

END

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