Civil Society group OccupyGhana has called on the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine to take urgent steps to criminalise vote buying in political party primaries, describing the practice as a major threat to Ghana’s democratic foundations.
In a letter addressed to the Attorney-General, OccupyGhana argued that although vote buying in public elections is widely frowned upon and regulated, similar conduct within party primaries has been allowed to flourish due to gaps in enforcement and legal clarity. The group warned that this loophole is steadily corroding the credibility of the country’s electoral system .
“Party primaries are an integral part of the democratic process and form the gateway to public office,” OccupyGhana stated, stressing that “any practice that undermines the integrity of these primaries ultimately undermines the integrity of our national elections” .
The group further noted that inducements such as cash, gifts and other material benefits have become increasingly normalised during internal party contests, giving unfair advantage to wealthier aspirants over more competent but less resourced candidates. According to OccupyGhana, this trend promotes corruption and weakens public trust in democratic governance .
OccupyGhana therefore called on the Attorney-General to take decisive action, either by initiating new legislation or enforcing existing laws in a manner that clearly criminalises vote buying in party primaries. “The absence of consequences has emboldened offenders,” the group said, adding that strong legal sanctions would serve as a deterrent and help restore credibility to the political process .
The pressure group also urged law enforcement agencies and electoral stakeholders to show greater commitment in addressing electoral corruption at all levels, warning that continued inaction could have long-term consequences for Ghana’s democracy.
The Attorney-General has not yet publicly responded to the petition.Criminalise Vote Buying in Party Primaries – OccupyGhana …. Attorney General
Pressure group OccupyGhana has formally petitioned the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to take urgent steps to criminalise vote buying in political party primaries, describing the practice as a major threat to Ghana’s democratic foundations.
In a letter addressed to the Attorney-General, OccupyGhana argued that although vote buying in public elections is widely frowned upon and regulated, similar conduct within party primaries has been allowed to flourish due to gaps in enforcement and legal clarity. The group warned that this loophole is steadily corroding the credibility of the country’s electoral system .
“Party primaries are an integral part of the democratic process and form the gateway to public office,” OccupyGhana stated, stressing that “any practice that undermines the integrity of these primaries ultimately undermines the integrity of our national elections” .
The group further noted that inducements such as cash, gifts and other material benefits have become increasingly normalised during internal party contests, giving unfair advantage to wealthier aspirants over more competent but less resourced candidates. According to OccupyGhana, this trend promotes corruption and weakens public trust in democratic governance .
OccupyGhana therefore called on the Attorney-General to take decisive action, either by initiating new legislation or enforcing existing laws in a manner that clearly criminalises vote buying in party primaries. “The absence of consequences has emboldened offenders,” the group said, adding that strong legal sanctions would serve as a deterrent and help restore credibility to the political process .
