The Institute of Economic Affairs has initiated discussions that could culminate in a review of the law governing political parties in the country.

On Monday the Institute facilitated discussions on the existing law at which some amendments were also suggested.

One of the key concerns that came out was that the Electoral Commission was too powerful.

Former Speaker of Parliament Peter Ala Adjetey led the discussions.

Among other things Mr Ala Adjetey proposed that the power to revoke political party’s licenses be vested in the courts, instead of the EC.

He said the existence of political parties was recognised by the Constitution and “you want to do as little as possible with that right as you can. Power is given to the EC to regulate the operation of political parties and sometimes this power is too wide and tends to interfere with the freedom of action of the political parties and you want to limit the possibilities of the exercise of such power.”

He said the political parties law also prohibited Non Governmental Organisations and non-Ghanaians from contributing to the funding of political parties and suggested that the law could be reviewed to enable such funding go to the Electoral Commission rather than directly to the parties.

This he said could help resource the EC with the wherewithal to enable it support political parties in their operations, rather than state funding of political parties which he said could lead to an increase in the number of parties.

Some political parties have however disagreed with the former Speaker on state funding for political parties.

According to them state funding for political parties will rather ensure transparency and enhance the nation’s democracy.

Messrs John Mahama of the NDC and Bernard Monah of the PNC said state funding must not necessarily be in cash.

The two however agreed that channeling non citizens contributions towards funding political parties through the EC was a good call that needs to be supported.