The Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has said that there is no financial gain in serving as a parliamentarian, describing the role as largely prestigious rather than lucrative.
Speaking on ABC’s In the Morning on Monday, February 9, 2026, Mr. Acquah addressed concerns surrounding vote buying and the high cost of electoral politics, arguing that parliamentary service is driven more by commitment to public service than personal financial benefit.
According to the Akim Oda legislator, many people enter Parliament with the misconception that the position guarantees wealth, only to realise otherwise once in office.
“The reality is that you don’t go there to make anything for yourself, but you will realise that at the end of the day you are spending much more than whatever you think you are going to make,” he said.
Mr. Acquah explained that the financial demands associated with being a Member of Parliament, ranging from constituency responsibilities to personal interventions for constituents—often outweigh the official benefits of the job.
Responding to questions about why politicians still contest elections despite the financial strain, he noted that the motivation lies in service rather than monetary reward.
“You want to serve,” he stated, stressing that public service remains the primary reason many MPs remain in Parliament despite the challenges.
Mr. Acquah’s remarks add to calls for broader reforms in Ghana’s electoral system to reduce the financial burden of political participation and curb practices that undermine democratic values.
