Yaw Nsarkoh criticizes Ghana’s lack of transparency in political financing, asserting that citizens remain uninformed about the true sources and amounts of campaign funds. He likens the political system to a ‘Santa Claus democracy’, emphasizing that this undermines the democratic process, reducing voters to mere ballots. He urges media and civil society to demand accountability, stressing the need for change to prevent elite enrichment masquerading as democratic governance.
Ghana’s former Executive Vice President of Unilever, Yaw Nsarkoh, has raised alarm over the unclear nature of political financing in the country. This, he claims, is a critical flaw in the democratic structure. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on June 23, he expressed frustration that details about campaign funding remain a mystery. “No one knows who funds our presidents,” he stated, questioning the amounts spent by candidates during elections.
He went on to highlight the disparity between Ghana and other democracies, specifically mentioning the U.S. where fundraising figures for presidential candidates are often publicly available. “We don’t know how much the sitting president spent on his campaign. We don’t know how much his main opponent spent either,” he noted. He expressed a frustration that such fundamental questions about campaign financing remain unanswered in Ghana.
Nsarkoh characterized Ghana’s situation as a “Santa Claus democracy,” arguing that elections have shifted towards being transactional, compromising the integrity of the system. He called it a “public auction for the highest bidder,” suggesting that the electorate is rendered mere ballots instead of active participants in governance.
His remarks are closely tied to a recent lecture titled “Iniquities of Iniquity in Our Santa Claus Democracy” delivered at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. Here, he referenced the late political scientist Claude Ake, who critiqued Ghana’s half-hearted democratic transition from the early 90s. He remarked, “Ake used Ghana as an example of a reluctant transition. We’ve merely established the forms of democracy without the necessary substance.”
Nsarkoh pointed to the failure to effectively institutionalize political financing as a significant source of corruption. He lamented the lack of frameworks for tracking political money, expressing that this issue is the root of many problems. “There are no real frameworks to track political fund flows. That’s why I say this is the root of all evil,” he asserted.
He warned that the ripple effects of this flawed financing system are significant, posing risks not just to political stability but to society at large. “If you and I are in the drug trade, we can fund powerful actors who then start making demands,” he cautioned, noting that the problem isn’t limited to winning candidates but also involves influential political figures behind the scenes.
Nsarkoh indicated that the systemic defects he described are prevalent across Africa, yet the discussion tends to focus on individuals rather than addressing foundational issues. “Yes, personalities matter. Accountability matters. But after three and a half decades, we must admit the system itself is broken,” he claimed.
He called on community members, especially media professionals and civil society, to press for clarity in political financing. “You probably have more access than I. But even you, can you tell me where the money came from? That’s the problem,” he challenged.
For Nsarkoh, the idea of democracy without transparency lacks authenticity. He stated, “If we can’t trace money in politics, then our democracy is not a tool for development. It’s a mechanism for elite enrichment.” He left the audience with a stark realization: the fight for true democracy may well begin with how openly we handle political financing in Ghana.
In summary, Yaw Nsarkoh’s critique of Ghana’s political financing raises pressing questions about transparency and its implications for democratic integrity. He highlights the importance of financial disclosure, pointing to systemic issues that affect governance. His call to action encourages citizens and media to seek accountability in political funding, warning that current practices threaten the essence of democracy in Ghana.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
