Audio By Carbonatix
The Speaker of Parliament Edward Doe Adjaho has bemoaned what he describes as the excessive monetization of the country's politics.
Addressing a Parliamentary press corps Wednesday, the Speaker said the reality of Ghana's politics is that if politicians fail to pay, they fail to win.
Contrary to assertions that the quality of MPs has reduced on the floor and may hamper Parliamentary business, Mr Adjaho said there are still competent MPs but the influence of money may well undermine the country's democracy.
A veteran in the country's Parliament, Doe Adjaho said in the first eight to twelve years of Parliamentary business, emphasis was more on a person's ability to deliver but the situation has changed dramatically.
Presently there is more emphasis on how much money one can give to be retained or to win elections.
Even when one has been elected as an MP, the Speaker said the pressure on MPs from their constituents is unbearable.
According to him, the mantra now for voters is that "if you don't pay, we won't vote for you."
He said an MP can be all efficient and vocal on the floor but if he goes to the constituency and does not pay money, the constituents will say you will be a "one time MP."
Doe Adjaho said the monetization of the politics is the reason for the increasing challenges and corruption facing the country.
"We have monetized our politics. All of us. If we don't pay they won't vote for you. That is the fact," he confessed.
Mr Adjaho worried about the future of the country if qualified leaders are not permitted to continue their good work, adding that "My worry is that as a democrat, as somebody that devoted my youthful years to this process..... where are we going as a country?"
Latest Stories
-
Ghana going back to the IMF for the 18th time?
23 minutes -
Ghana to start selling $1 billion of cocoa bonds from July
25 minutes -
Development of Savannah Region is government’s priority list – Asiedu Nketiah
1 hour -
Success of Mahama’s government is a collective responsibility — Asiedu Nketia rallies NDC supporters during regional tour
1 hour -
Governance expert calls for rule of law amid political victimisation claims
2 hours -
State apparatus must not be used to victimise citizens – Governance expert
2 hours -
SHS Freshers to report on September 18 – GES
2 hours -
Contractor denies abandoning Judicial Service Project in Wa, says work is ongoing
2 hours -
GES confirms full placement of BECE graduates into senior high and technical schools
2 hours -
National House of Chiefs rejects CRC recommendation to merge OASL with Lands Commission
2 hours -
NTC moves to regularise over 42,000 unqualified teachers through fast-track programme
2 hours -
Ghana Railway workers demand payment of salary arrears, clarity on future of company
2 hours -
Five players to watch in Ghana’s U17 team: The next generation chasing Black Star glory
2 hours -
Ubuntu, Afrophobia and Africa’s unfinished struggle for unity
3 hours -
NLC orders striking Public Services Workers’ Union members at NIA to resume work
3 hours