The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD) has issued a stark warning about the increasing corruption within the political sphere, attributing it to the rising costs of politics.
The organization highlighted the dangerous trend of monetization in the electoral process, which it claims is fueling widespread corruption within the government.
“Reduce the cost of politics and stop corruption at the source,” the CDD urged, emphasizing that the current campaign and party financing framework is wholly inadequate to address these challenges.
To combat this growing issue, the CDD has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the laws governing campaign and party financing.
The organization is advocating for new legislation that would set clear guidelines on donations and expenditures, ensuring transparency and accountability in the political process.
The CDD’s proposals include capping donations, regulating internal party elections, and establishing an enforcement body to oversee these regulations.
“There is a need for new and comprehensive legislation and a regime to regulate the sector,” the CDD stated, stressing the urgency of these reforms.
In addition to campaign finance reform, the CDD is pushing for the passage of the long-delayed Conduct of Public Officers (COPO) bill.
The bill, which has been stalled for over a decade, is seen as crucial in addressing loopholes in the public sector that allow for corrupt practices such as influence peddling and nepotism.
The CDD argues that strengthening this bill, particularly in areas like asset disclosure and unexplained wealth, is essential to curbing corruption in public office.
