Asante Akim North MP introduces Private Member’s Bill to regulate campaign financing in Ghana

The proposed amendment aims to regulate the sources of political campaign funds, introduce contribution and expenditure limits, establish a public funding framework, and strengthen oversight mechanisms to enhance transparency and accountability in Ghana’s electoral process.

Addressing the Rising Cost of Politics
Since the return to multiparty democracy in 1992, Ghana has conducted nine general elections with four peaceful transfers of power. However, according to the MP, the growing cost of political participation poses a significant threat to democratic inclusivity and fairness.

While Act 574 regulates the registration and functioning of political parties, it currently does not provide a legal framework governing campaign financing. There are no limits on campaign expenditure, no caps on contributions, and no mandatory disclosure regime.

Data cited in the proposal indicates that the cost of contesting presidential elections is estimated at approximately USD 200 million, while parliamentary campaign costs increased by 59% between 2012 and 2016.

Hon. Frimpong argues that without reforms, political competition risks being determined more by financial strength than competence, integrity, and ideas.

Key Concerns Driving the Bill
The Bill identifies four major challenges:

Escalating campaign costs, which distort political competition.

Exclusion of marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, who struggle to compete financially. Women held only 15% of parliamentary seats in 2016.

Corruption and vote buying, exacerbated by opaque funding structures.

Weak oversight mechanisms, due to the absence of mandatory disclosure, auditing, and sanctions under current law.

Recent allegations of vote-buying during the 2026 NPP Presidential Primaries and the NDC Ayawaso East Parliamentary Primaries, currently before the Office of the Special Prosecutor, have further intensified calls for reform.

Key Provisions of the Bill
The proposed Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduces several reforms:

Regulation of Campaign Financing
Only Ghanaian citizens and Ghanaian-registered entities may contribute to campaigns.

Foreign and anonymous donations will be prohibited.

Individual contributions capped at:

GHS500,000 (Presidential candidates)

GHS100,000 (Parliamentary candidates)

Campaign expenditure capped at:

GHS5 million (Presidential candidates)

GHS500,000 (Parliamentary candidates)

Public Funding Mechanism
Establishment of a Political Parties Development Fund, to be administered by the Electoral Commission.

Allocation of funds proportionally based on electoral performance.

Mandatory annual audits by the Auditor-General, with public disclosure of reports.

Enforcement and Sanctions
Joint oversight by the Electoral Commission and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

Administrative sanctions, fines, and possible disqualification for non-compliance.

Aligning with Global Best Practices
The MP notes that over 180 countries regulate political finance, citing international best practices such as contribution limits, expenditure caps, public funding mechanisms, independent oversight, and financial disclosure requirements. Countries including Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have adopted such frameworks to curb corruption and undue influence in politics.

Expected Impact
According to Hon. Frimpong, the Bill seeks to:

Promote transparency in political financing.

Reduce financial barriers to political participation.

Strengthen accountability and enforcement.

Restore public trust in Ghana’s democratic system.

The introduction of the Bill marks one of the most comprehensive attempts in recent years to address the monetization of politics in Ghana. The proposal is expected to generate significant debate within Parliament and among political stakeholders.