Deputy Minister for Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem has called for urgent reforms to political financing across Africa, warning that the growing influence of money in politics is threatening democratic integrity, excluding competent leaders and eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Accra High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialization of Politics in Africa, Mr. Ampem said political finance reform had become a development imperative rather than merely an electoral issue.

Addressing government officials, anti-corruption agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and political leaders from across the continent, he said the increasing cost of elections was making it difficult for competent and public-minded citizens to participate in politics.

“Money has always been part of politics. The challenge arises when money determines who can participate, who wins elections, and whose interests are served after victory,” he said.

According to him, women, young people and many qualified citizens continue to face significant barriers to political participation because of the escalating cost of election campaigns, reducing the diversity and quality of democratic leadership across the continent.

Mr. Ampem warned that the trend was contributing to declining public confidence in democracy, weakening trust in political parties and increasing disengagement from formal political processes.

He said Ghana remained committed to strengthening transparency, accountability and public integrity through constitutional, legislative and institutional reforms.

The Deputy Minister disclosed that the Conduct of Public Officers Bill is currently before Parliament, while Cabinet has approved the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2026–2030) to strengthen corruption prevention, institutional integrity, coordination and enforcement.

Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that Ghana still lacks a comprehensive legal framework to regulate political party and campaign financing, stressing that additional reforms are needed to improve transparency and restore public confidence.

Mr. Ampem said recommendations from the Constitutional Review Committee on political financing, disclosure and accountability would guide future legislative reforms.

He emphasised that although stronger disclosure requirements, effective enforcement mechanisms and spending limits are essential, they alone would not address the broader challenges associated with the influence of money in politics.

He therefore urged African governments, policymakers and stakeholders to pursue comprehensive reforms that promote transparency, fairness and accountability in political financing to safeguard democracy across the continent.

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