Governance expert and public financial management specialist, Dr Eric Oduro Osae, has urged Ghanaians to reject vote-buying in all its forms, warning that accepting money in exchange for votes amounts to sacrificing one’s future and undermining the very essence of democracy.

Speaking on JoyNews during panel discussions on Tuesday, September 2, Dr Oduro Osae stressed that the true purpose of democratic participation is not just about voting, but about electing leaders who can be held to account.

“Democracy is about getting the person to represent you, so you can hold the person accountable,” he said.

“So those who are collecting money, remember: you are selling your future. The person may never get back to you.”

Dr Oduro Osae argued that vote-buying not only compromises the integrity of elections but gives politicians a licence to neglect their constituents once in power.