NDC Must Be Bigger Than Any Individual: Why Party Elections Should Be Contests of Ideas, Not Auctions

Following the recent Ayawaso East parliamentary primary, a prominent member of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ewura Adams Karim, has issued a stern and principled warning about the corrosive impact of money in politics. His central thesis is clear and urgent: the NDC, as a political institution, must be “larger than any single individual.” Therefore, its internal democratic processes, particularly the selection of candidates, must be genuine contests of ideas, competence, and service, not auctions decided by financial muscle. This statement transcends a routine critique of a single primary; it is a foundational argument about preserving party integrity, national democratic health, and the principle that political power should derive from the people’s conscience, not a candidate’s wallet.

Karim’s commentary, published on his social media platform, frames the Ayawaso East primary not as an isolated event but as a critical test case for the NDC’s soul. He calls for cohesion, internal accountability, and urgent reforms to curb the rising trend of monetization. This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized analysis of his position, exploring the background, implications, and practical pathways forward for political parties in Ghana.

Introduction: A Call to Preserve the Party’s Soul

The aftermath of any closely watched political primary is often marked by tension, analysis, and calls for unity. The recent NDC parliamentary primary in Ayawaso East, however, has sparked a deeper, more existential conversation. Ewura Adams Karim has positioned this event as a microcosm of a national threat: the monetization of party politics. His plea is for the NDC to see itself as a movement with a historical legacy—embodied by the late MP Naser Toure Mahama—that transcends the ambitions of any single candidate. The core argument is that when internal elections degenerate into financial contests, they undermine the very principles of internal democracy, meritocracy, and social justice that the party claims to champion. This introduction sets the stage for understanding why this issue is pivotal for the NDC’s future and for Ghana’s democratic consolidation.

Key Points: The Core Tenets of Karim’s Argument

Ewura Adams Karim’s statement is dense with political philosophy and practical warning. The following key points distill his message into actionable insights:

• The Party’s Primacy: The NDC as an institution must always be “larger than any individual ambition.” Its collective strength and ideological mission supersede personal aspirations.
• Elections as Idea Contests: Internal candidate selection must be a forum for debating policies, service records, and vision—not a bidding war where the highest financial contribution wins.
• Legacy Protection: The drive to retain the Ayawaso East seat is framed as an obligation to honor the legacy of the late Naser Toure Mahama, whose service-oriented politics must be safeguarded.
• Monetization as an Existential Threat: The trend of using money to secure party positions and nominations poses a “significant danger” not just to political parties but to the foundational principles of Ghana’s democracy.
• The Voter’s Conscience: True democratic power resides in the informed conscience of the voter, not in the depth of a candidate’s pocket. This principle must apply from party primaries to national elections.
• Self-Discipline as Trust-Building: For the NDC to earn public trust, it must demonstrate an ability to self-police, investigate misconduct, and uphold high ethical standards without external pressure.
• Probe as a Badge of Honour: The National Executive’s decision to investigate the Ayawaso East primary is portrayed as a bold, unprecedented act of internal cleansing—a strength, not a weakness.
• Call for Systemic Reform: The solution lies in broader, structural reforms to the laws and practices governing political party funding and internal election conduct.

Background: The Ayawaso East Primary and the NDC’s Internal Dynamics

The Immediate Catalyst: Ayawaso East Primary

The NDC’s parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East constituency attracted significant attention. As a stronghold for the party, the selection of a candidate to succeed the late Naser Toure Mahama was a highly consequential process. Reports and allegations of vote-buying, undue financial influence, and procedural irregularities emerged from the event, creating a fissure within the party’s ranks. It is this specific context that provided the immediate catalyst for Karim’s public statement. He acknowledges the need for the party to rally behind the eventual winner to retain the seat, but he vehemently opposes “ignoring the troubles and matters arising” from the conduct of the primary.

The NDC’s Ideological Stated Values

To understand the gravity of Karim’s critique, one must recall the NDC’s foundational ideology. As a social democratic party, it officially champions principles of social justice, equality, probity, and accountability. Its historical narrative often contrasts itself with opponents by emphasizing its pro-poor, people-centered agenda. Karim’s argument is that the monetization of internal elections is a direct betrayal of these values. When a candidate’s success depends on their financial war chest rather than their policy depth or service record, the party effectively commodifies leadership, contradicting its commitment to merit and social equity. This gap between stated values and operational reality is what Karim seeks to expose and rectify.

Analysis: The Multifaceted Dangers of Monetized Politics

Karim’s warning extends beyond partisan squabbles. He identifies a systemic risk with cascading consequences. A thorough analysis reveals three interconnected levels of danger: the party’s health, the quality of democracy, and national governance.

1. The Corruption of Internal Party Democracy

When primaries become auctions, several corrosive effects take root:

• Exclusion of Capable Candidates: Talented, dedicated individuals without substantial personal wealth or wealthy backers are systematically screened out. This creates a leadership class defined by access to capital, not ideas or competence.
• Creation of Patronage Networks: Winning candidates who “purchase” their nomination often feel indebted to their financial backers, not to the party or its grassroots. This fosters internal factions and prioritizes private interests over collective good.
• Erosion of Member Morale: Rank-and-file members witness the dilution of their vote’s value. If a delegate’s choice can be swayed by cash, the sense of meaningful participation dwindles, leading to apathy and disengagement.
• Normalization of Corruption: Repeated exposure to transactional politics desensitizes members, making unethical practices seem like a normal, even necessary, part of political competition.

2. The Undermining of Ghana’s Democratic Foundations

Karim correctly situates this issue within the broader national context. The health of Ghana’s Fourth Republic depends on robust political parties that serve as vehicles for representation and policy development. Monetized politics weakens these vehicles:

• Distortion of the Popular Will: If candidates are selected based on wealth, the final ballot in the general election often presents a choice between two or more financially-backed candidates, not necessarily the most qualified or visionary. The voter’s “conscience” is presented with a narrowed, compromised field.
• Increased Corruption in Office: The expectation of a financial return on investment (ROI) for those who funded a campaign can lead to corrupt practices in government—awarding contracts, influencing policy, or diverting resources to repay political debts.
• Public Cynicism and Disillusionment: Citizens observing this cycle grow cynical about all politicians and parties, fueling voter apathy and weakening democratic legitimacy.
• Barrier to Entry for New Ideas: It raises the cost of political participation, effectively creating an oligarchy where new voices and innovative policy ideas struggle to break through.

3. The Betrayal of the NDC’s Own Legacy

Karim’s invocation of the late Naser Toure Mahama is strategic and poignant. Mahama was widely respected for his long-standing service and perceived integrity. By framing the seat retention as an honor to his legacy, Karim argues that the party must reject the very monetization that would dishonor that memory. The NDC’s identity is partly built on a critique of the ” oligarchic” tendencies of its opponents. If it succumbs to the same monetized model, it loses its moral high ground and distinctiveness, becoming indistinguishable from the very system it claims to oppose.

Practical Advice: Pathways to Reforming Internal Party Democracy

Acknowledging the problem is the first step. Karim’s statement implicitly and explicitly calls for concrete reforms. Here is a framework for actionable advice for the NDC and other political parties in Ghana:

Immediate Steps for the NDC (Post-Ayawaso East)

1. Implement the Probe Transparently: The investigation into the Ayawaso East primary must be conducted with full transparency. Its findings, conclusions, and any recommended sanctions should be made public. This is crucial for restoring faith and demonstrating that “no one is above the party’s rules.”
2. Publicly Adopt a Code of Conduct: The party should immediately reinforce and publicize a strict code of conduct for primaries that explicitly prohibits vote-buying, monetary inducements, and the use of state or party resources for campaign purposes. Penalties must be clear and consistently enforced.
3. Delegate Education: Launch an intensive education program for all delegates ahead of future primaries. This should focus on their ethical responsibility, the importance of voting based on merit and manifesto, and the long-term damage monetization causes to the party and their own interests.
4. Leadership Example: Senior party leaders, elders, and aspirants must vocally and consistently reject the monetization narrative. Their public rhetoric must align with the “contests of ideas” framework.

Medium-to-Long-Term Structural Reforms

1. Reform Party Funding Laws: Advocate for and comply with stricter regulations on political party financing. This includes lower and clearer caps on individual and corporate donations to parties and candidates, enhanced disclosure requirements, and independent audit mechanisms.
2. Introduce Public Funding Models: Explore and advocate for systems of state funding for political parties based on electoral performance or membership size. This reduces parties’ dependence on private wealth and large donors.
3. Professionalize Candidate Vetting: Develop a more rigorous, transparent vetting process for aspirants that assesses policy knowledge, service record, financial declarations, and ethical standing, making financial prowess a secondary, not primary, consideration.
4. Empower Internal Democracy Bodies: Strengthen the independence and resources of internal election committees and disciplinary bodies. They must have the autonomy and capacity to investigate violations and impose sanctions without political interference.
5. Foster a Culture of Service: Systematically reward and promote party members who demonstrate commitment through community service, policy development, and grassroots organizing, not just fundraising ability.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions on Monetization and Party Politics

Q1: Is monetization of politics unique to the NDC or Ghana?

A: No. The monetization of elections and internal party contests is a global challenge, particularly pronounced in emerging democracies with weaker campaign finance regulations. However, its specific manifestations and intensity vary. In Ghana’s context, it has become a recurring and deeply concerning theme in both party primaries and general elections across the political spectrum. Karim’s argument is that the NDC, given its ideological claims, has a heightened responsibility to resist this trend and lead by example.

Q2: How can ordinary members or delegates resist financial inducements?

A: This requires a combination of personal integrity, peer accountability, and institutional safeguards. Members must be educated on the long-term harm of vote-buying. Crucially, parties must implement secret balloting in primaries and create a safe, anonymous reporting mechanism for delegates who face coercion or inducement. The social pressure within a delegate group to “take the money” is immense; breaking this cycle requires collective refusal enabled by strong, enforceable rules and a culture that shames the practice.

Q3: What legal frameworks exist in Ghana to regulate party funding?

A: Ghana’s main legal instruments are the 1992 Constitution (which mandates the disclosure of assets by public officers and has implications for political financing), the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574), and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. These laws require parties to submit annual audited accounts to the Electoral Commission and set some limits on spending. However, enforcement has been historically weak, loopholes exist (e.g., lack of strict caps on private donations), and penalties are rarely applied. Karim’s call for reform implicitly points to the need to strengthen and tighten these legal frameworks.

Q4: Can a party investigation into itself ever be truly impartial?

A: There is always a risk of bias in internal investigations. Karim acknowledges this by cautioning that the probe “should not be used to tear members apart.” The key to perceived and actual impartiality lies in the process: establishing an independent committee with respected, non-partisan members (including legal and civil society experts), ensuring transparent procedures, allowing for appeals, and making the full report public. While not perfect, a genuinely transparent internal probe is far preferable to ignoring the problem or having it investigated solely by external, potentially partisan actors.

Q5: What are the real-world consequences if monetization continues unchecked?

A: The trajectory leads to a degraded political culture. Consequences include: a political class increasingly detached from the public, rising corruption in public office, policy capture by wealthy interests, plummeting public trust in institutions, and the potential for political violence as financial stakes in elections rise. Ultimately, it risks making Ghana’s democracy a facade, where elections are formally held but the substantive choice and accountability are hollow. Karim frames this as a “national crisis that demands collective resolve.”

Conclusion: Reclaiming the Mandate of Service

Ewura Adams Karim’s intervention is more than a post-primary commentary; it is a clarion call for institutional self-reflection and renewal. His assertion that the “NDC is larger than any individual ambition” is a necessary reminder of what a political party should be: a vehicle for collective aspiration, not a platform for personal aggrandizement. The choice he presents is stark: continue down the path where elections are auctions, where wealth trumps wisdom, and where the ballot box is indirectly bought—or recommit to the principle that leadership must be earned through a contest of ideas, a proven record of service, and unwavering credibility.

The probe into the Ayawaso East primary represents a critical juncture. If handled with transparency and a genuine commitment to reform, it can become the “badge of honour” Karim speaks of—a