The Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has raised concerns about the deteriorating state of politics in Ghana, specifically criticising the increasing monetisation of the electoral process.

He noted that voters now tend to prioritize financial incentives over the integrity and competence of candidates, which he believes is eroding the country’s political system.

In an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, October 22, Mr Ayariga expressed alarm over the growing perception of the presidency as a business venture rather than a position of public service.

He highlighted that this shift in perspective threatens the values of leadership and governance, as politicians are now more focused on personal financial gain than national service.

Mr Ayariga also emphasised the urgent need for patriotic leadership in Ghana, stressing that many politicians are using their influence to advance personal interests rather than serving the nation.

He pointed out that this trend undermines the core principles of leadership and weakens the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.

Additionally, Mr Ayariga voiced concerns about Ghana’s sovereignty, arguing that the country’s natural resources and land are increasingly controlled by foreign interests.

He warned that the presidency is the last line of defence in safeguarding national control and that the erosion of this institution’s integrity could lead to further loss of Ghana’s autonomy.

Mr Ayariga called for a return to genuine leadership rooted in patriotism and service to the people.

He urged Ghanaians to support leaders who are truly committed to national development, rather than those who see politics as a means to enrich themselves.

“Everything has been taken over by the foreigners. The only thing left is the presidency and sooner than later, because we believe in the monetisation of political affairs, the foreigners will get one of theirs to run for the president of Ghana and we will lose it."

“Today, the presidency is no more valued as it used to be. The presidency has been reduced to the politics of money rather than the politics of ideas. So, people who now have money can go and win the presidency of this country."

"Now we’re voting for people with more money than brains that is where we have gotten to and it is sad that we’re almost losing the presidency. The presidency has now been reduced to nothing. It’s no longer the presidency we used to value. Look at the calibre of people who are running for president today."

“Not to disgrace or undermine anybody. I have gone through this game for the past 12 years, I have not seen a leader who is running for the presidency who is more of a patriotic citizen who wants to change this country than who wants to do business.

"The office now turned into a business centre, so people are now running to do business with the office, to become popular, I mean to reap this country off.”