By Akwasi Opong-Fosu
Monetisation of politics has entrenched itself so deeply in our political culture that it now threatens the very foundation of democratic governance. From internal party contests to national elections, money has become the primary currency of political power—not ideas, not competence, not public service.
Delegates, in many instances, demand financial and material incentives as a matter of routine. This expectation has trickled down to the general electorate, where voters increasingly see financial inducements as a condition for exercising their civic right to vote. What was once considered electoral malpractice is now seen by many as political norm.
Meanwhile, the real cost of this corrosive system is paid by ordinary citizens. Hospitals lack modern equipment and essential supplies. For the vulnerable, these facilities often serve not as places of healing but as transit points to the next world. In parts of the country, children still learn under trees, despite the unprecedented inflow of financial resources under the previous administration—resources that could have transformed lives if spent wisely.
A Clear Example: The Akonta Mining Saga
The Akonta Mining scandal is a glaring example of how monetised politics leads to leadership failure, dysfunctional governance, and the collapse of institutional integrity. Despite operating illegally in a protected forest reserve, the company received public defense from high-ranking political figures, sending a clear message: political connections can override the rule of law.
This case typifies the state capture syndrome—where power is used not to enforce laws but to protect vested interests. Regulatory bodies were either silent or complicit. Law enforcement took no decisive action. Institutions meant to uphold environmental standards crumbled under political pressure. It revealed, in plain sight, the dangerous intersection of business, politics, and impunity.
Regulating Political Financing
There is an urgent need to ban vote buying and all forms of inducement. But that’s only one part of the solution. What’s needed is a comprehensive overhaul of how political financing is regulated in this country. This includes:
• Transparent campaign financing laws with strict disclosure requirements.
• Spending limits for candidates and parties to level the playing field.
• Independent enforcement bodies with the power to investigate and sanction violations.
• Public education to challenge and change the mindset that sees inducement as entitlement.
A Clear Mandate to Reset
President John Dramani Mahama has been given a resounding mandate to reset the nation—to clean up governance, restore accountability, and redirect national resources toward meaningful development. That mission will be impossible if the monetisation of politics remains unchecked. The stakes are clear: either we confront this threat head-on, or we allow it to permanently undermine our democracy and development.
The urgency to act has never been greater. To succeed in the reset agenda, we must dismantle the structures and culture that allow money to dominate politics. That means real reform—not talk, not tokenism. The future of our democracy depends on it.
About The Author
Akwasi Opong-Fosu is a governance and public policy analyst. He has served in various capacities in public service, including a member of parliament, ministerial positions in Local Government, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and a minister of state at the Presidency. He has served as Head of the Local Government Service and UN special advisor on Local Authorities.
