Davis Ansah Opoku, Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, has reiterated the importance of transparency in political party funding to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Opoku raised concerns about the weak enforcement of the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574), which, he argued, has allowed money to overshadow merit in the selection of candidates.

Mr. Opoku criticised the increasing influence of financial resources on the political process, warning that the rising cost of politics is undermining the very foundation of Ghana’s democracy.

“Without proper accountability, financial dominance will continue to dictate political outcomes,” he said. The MP’s comments reflect growing concerns that money is becoming a more significant factor than competence in the political sphere.

In a bid to address these challenges, Mr. Opoku proposed a range of measures aimed at ensuring greater transparency in political funding.

He suggested introducing campaign spending limits, requiring mandatory public disclosure of donations, and imposing strict penalties for any breaches. These reforms, he argued, would ensure that political candidates are not selected based on financial resources but rather on their ability and qualifications.

Mr. Opoku also advocated for the establishment of a public funding mechanism to reduce candidates' reliance on private financiers.

Such a system, he suggested, would help create a more level playing field and allow for the selection of candidates who can best serve the interests of the electorate rather than those who can amass the most financial backing.

“These reforms will help ensure that political competition is driven by merit, not by wealth,” Mr. Opoku concluded.