The cost of contesting a parliamentary seat in Ghana has dramatically increased, with a viable campaign estimated to cost approximately GHS 4 million by 2020. This figure represents a significant financial barrier to political participation, according to Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He made these remarks on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Nigeria.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia emphasized that political parties must evolve beyond merely winning elections to become permanent institutions for democratic governance. He argued that parties cannot credibly defend national democracy if they fail to uphold democratic principles within their own structures. The dialogue, themed "Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?", brought together various stakeholders to discuss the future of democracy on the continent.
This rising cost of political engagement directly impacts Ghana's democratic health and economic equity. The substantial financial outlay required for campaigns risks selecting leaders based on wealth rather than competence. This trend could lead to elected officials being beholden to financiers, potentially influencing policy decisions and resource allocation. Such a scenario undermines public trust and fair representation, crucial elements for Ghana's economic stability and development.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia cited research from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and CDD-Ghana, which found that the cost of contesting parliamentary office rose by 59 percent between the 2012 and 2016 electoral cycles. This increase pushed the average cost to GHS 389,803. A later CDD-Ghana study further estimated the 2020 cost for a viable parliamentary campaign, including constituency presence, at around GHS 4 million. He warned that such high costs could result in parties selecting the wealthiest candidates over the most capable ones.
The implications of these escalating costs are far-reaching for Ghana's political landscape and economic future. If financial capacity becomes the primary determinant for political office, it could deter qualified individuals without significant personal wealth or wealthy sponsors from entering politics. This could lead to a less diverse and potentially less effective leadership, impacting policy formulation and national development. Decision-makers and citizens alike will need to monitor how political parties address these financial barriers and promote more inclusive participation.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia also highlighted the limited representation of women and youth in Ghanaian politics. Women hold only 40 of Ghana's 276 parliamentary seats, representing 14.5 percent, despite constituting over half the population. Similarly, youth aged 15 to 35 make up 38.2 percent of Ghana's population, yet no current Member of Parliament was 30 or younger at the start of the legislature. He urged parties to create practical pathways for these groups to progress into policy development, party leadership, and executive roles.
To counter these challenges, Mr. Asiedu Nketia called for political parties to rebuild their policy, civic education, and leadership-development functions. He suggested that parties maintain permanent research institutions, train candidates and office holders, and develop systems to assess governments formed in their name. He argued that democracy suffers when public office becomes the first place where political leaders learn governmental responsibilities. Parties should be judged by the quality of leaders they produce and the policies they develop, not just their ability to win elections.
He concluded by stating that political parties should not be treated as private property. They must practice internally the democratic principles they promise to uphold in government. Mr. Asiedu Nketia urged African political parties to abandon their approach of becoming active only during election periods. He stressed that parties must cease being "seasonal electoral machines" and instead become permanent democratic institutions, remembering that political power is temporary and the state belongs to the people.