Introduction

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its internal presidential primaries, the debate regarding the cost of political campaigns and the influence of money in internal elections has taken center stage. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, a prominent presidential aspirant, has issued a passionate plea to party delegates, urging them to resist the allure of immediate financial gratification in favor of securing the long-term integrity and survival of the party.

In a recent interview on Asaase Radio, Agyapong addressed the growing phenomenon of “vote-buying” within the NPP, describing it as a dangerous trend that undermines internal democracy. His message, centered on “going back to the roots” of the party’s ethos, challenges delegates to view their vote not as a commodity to be sold, but as a responsibility to be exercised for the future of Ghana. This article explores his critique of monetization, his campaign philosophy, and the practical implications for the NPP’s future.

Key Points

Background

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), one of Ghana’s two major political forces, is currently navigating a critical electoral cycle. With over 211,000 delegates expected to participate in the upcoming presidential primaries, the stakes are incredibly high. Historically, internal elections in Ghanaian political parties have been marred by allegations of vote-buying, where aspirants distribute cash or material goods to influence the outcome.

The Rise of Monetization in Ghanaian Politics

Monetization—the use of financial resources to gain political advantage—has become a pervasive issue in Ghanaian democracy. Critics argue that this practice creates a barrier to entry for candidates with limited financial means but high intellectual capacity and integrity. Furthermore, it shifts the focus from policy debates to transactional exchanges, where the candidate willing to pay the most often prevails, regardless of their competence.

Kwabena Agyapong’s Political Trajectory

Kwabena Agyei Agyapong is a seasoned politician and former General Secretary of the NPP. His decision to contest the presidential slot comes after years of service within the party structures. His campaign is built on the narrative of “restoration”—restoring the NPP to its core values of probity, accountability, and service, which he believes have been diluted by the infusion of money in politics.

Analysis

The Dangers of Monetization on Internal Democracy

Kwabena Agyapong’s criticism of “over-the-top monetization” highlights a fundamental threat to internal democracy. When delegates are incentivized financially, their decision-making process is distorted. Instead of selecting a candidate based on leadership qualities, vision, and electability in the general election, the selection becomes a transaction. This erodes the moral authority of the party in the eyes of the Ghanaian public.

Agyapong argues that this practice weakens party concord. When a candidate wins an election primarily through financial inducements, they may lack the genuine grassroots support necessary to govern the party effectively post-election. This can lead to factionalism and disunity, as those who did not benefit financially may feel alienated.

The Economics of Vote-Buying: A Mathematical Impossibility

In his interview, Agyapong posed a critical question regarding the logic of vote-buying: “How much can someone give you as a delegate? If someone gives you a thousand cedis, how long will it last? And with over 211,000 delegates, how much money can any candidate realistically distribute?”

This statement deconstructs the economics of corruption. For a candidate to influence a significant portion of the 211,000 delegates, the financial requirement would be astronomical—likely running into millions of Ghana Cedis. Agyapong suggests that such an investment is not only unsustainable for the candidate but also places an unfair burden on them, potentially leading to corruption if they eventually win power and seek to recoup their “investment.”

Returning to the Roots: Service Over Extraction

The theme of “going back to the roots” resonates deeply with the NPP’s historical identity. The party was founded on principles that emphasized the protection of the liberties of the individual and the development of the nation through free enterprise and democratic governance. Agyapong contrasts this with the modern trend of politics as a means to “extract from the country.”

By framing politics as a “noble calling,” he appeals to the delegates’ sense of history and duty. This narrative seeks to reframe the delegate’s role from a passive recipient of handouts to an active custodian of the party’s legacy.

Practical Advice

For Political Aspirants: Campaigning with Integrity

Kwabena Agyapong’s campaign model offers a blueprint for ethical political campaigning in Ghana. His approach relies on:

• Donation-Based Funding: Relying on sympathizers who share his political beliefs rather than corporate entities that may demand future favors.
• Personal Savings: Investing personal resources rather than borrowing, which reduces financial pressure.
• Documentation and Compliance: Ensuring all expenditures are recorded and compliant with tax laws. This transparency builds trust and protects the candidate from legal pitfalls.

Aspirants should note that while small allowances for transportation (e.g., GH₵100 to GH₵200) are often necessary to facilitate logistics, large-scale vote-buying is both illegal and unethical. Focusing on issue-based campaigns is a more sustainable strategy.

For Delegates: Making Informed Decisions

Delegates hold the power to shape the future of the NPP. To prioritize the long term over money, delegates should:

• Assess Viability: Consider which candidate has the integrity and competence to win the general election and lead Ghana effectively.
• Look Beyond Immediate Gain: Recognize that financial inducements are temporary, whereas the impact of poor governance lasts for years.
• Uphold Party Values: Vote in alignment with the NPP’s foundational principles rather than personal short-term benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the “monetization” of internal elections?

Monetization refers to the practice where candidates distribute money or material goods to delegates or voters in exchange for their votes. In the context of the NPP, it involves aspirants paying delegates to secure their support during the presidential primaries.

Who is Kwabena Agyei Agyapong?

Kwabena Agyei Agyapong is a Ghanaian politician and a former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He is currently a presidential aspirant for the NPP, campaigning on a platform of integrity, transparency, and returning to the party’s foundational values.

How many delegates are involved in the NPP primaries?

According to reports and Agyapong’s statements, there are over 211,000 delegates participating in the NPP internal electoral processes. This large number makes vote-buying financially impractical and unsustainable.

Is giving transportation allowance considered vote-buying?

Opinions vary, but generally, providing modest transport allowances (like the GH₵100–GH₵200 mentioned by Agyapong) to cover the logistics of attending meetings or conferences is viewed differently from large-scale cash distribution intended to influence voting decisions. However, strict adherence to the NPP’s code of conduct and electoral laws is essential.

What are the legal implications of vote-buying in Ghana?

While specific enforcement can be challenging, vote-buying is generally considered unethical and contrary to the electoral laws and party constitutions in Ghana. It can lead to disqualification of candidates or legal action depending on the specific statutes governing the election.

Conclusion

Kwabena Agyapong’s call to prioritize the long-term survival of the NPP over immediate financial incentives is a significant intervention in the discourse surrounding Ghana’s internal party democracy. By highlighting the mathematical impossibility of sustainable vote-buying and contrasting it with the nobility of political service, he challenges both delegates and aspirants to reset their ethical compass.

As the NPP moves closer to its primaries, the choices made by delegates will not only determine the party’s flagbearer but also signal the moral direction of the party for years to come. Agyapong’s message serves as a reminder that the true currency in politics is not money, but trust, integrity, and a commitment to the national good.