Thomas Ampem advocates stricter political finance laws across Africa

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 undermining democratic integrity, excluding capable leaders and weakening public trust in democratic institutions.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Accra High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialization of Politics in Africa, Thomas Nyarko 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 rising cost of elections was increasingly preventing competent and public-spirited citizens from participating 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.

He noted that women, young people and many qualified citizens continue to face significant barriers to political participation because of the escalating cost of campaigns, narrowing the pool of democratic leadership across Africa.

Thomas Nyarko Ampem warned that these challenges were contributing to declining public trust, growing disillusionment with democracy, reduced confidence in political parties and increasing disengagement from formal political processes.

Highlighting Ghana's democratic credentials, he said the country remains committed to strengthening transparency, accountability and public integrity through constitutional, legislative and institutional reforms.

He announced 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 prevention, institutional integrity, coordination and enforcement in the fight against corruption.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged, however, that Ghana still lacks a comprehensive legal framework governing political party and campaign financing and said further reforms are needed to improve transparency and strengthen public confidence.

He disclosed that recommendations by the Constitutional Review Committee on political financing, disclosure and accountability would help shape future legislative reforms.

Thomas Nyarko Ampem stressed that stronger disclosure requirements, effective enforcement mechanisms and spending limits are necessary but, on their own, will not resolve the problem.