The Director of Strategy, Research and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Samuel Appiah Darko, is advocating a radical overhaul of Ghana’s campaign finance system.
Speaking at a conference organised by Transparency International Ghana, Mr. Darko proposed the establishment of an independent audit committee to oversee political party financing.
“The current system is flawed,” Darko argued. “The Electoral Commission is both referee and regulator, which erodes public trust and fails to provide adequate oversight.” To address this issue, he suggested creating an independent committee, modeled after Norway’s system, to monitor campaign finances and ensure transparency.
This committee would comprise representatives from key institutions, including the Audit Service, the OSP, and the judiciary, and would be headed by a judge. “By leveraging existing expertise and infrastructure, we can create a robust system that promotes accountability and transparency in campaign financing,” Darko emphasized.
The call for reform is part of a broader effort to safeguard Ghana’s democracy from the growing influence of money in politics. As the country moves forward, it’s clear that meaningful change is needed to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
