Monetisation of politics a virus difficult to cure – NDC’s Charles Ayipah
According to him, the challenge lies in the fact that many voters now enjoy receiving inducements and, in some cases, demand them, while politicians see such expenditures as necessary to achieve their electoral ambitions.
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team in the Navrongo Central Constituency, Charles Ayipah, has described the growing monetisation of politics in Ghana as a “virus” that will be difficult to eradicate.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Friday September 5, Ayipah said the practice has become deeply entrenched in Ghana’s political culture, with both politicians and voters actively engaged in it.
“So if you’re asking me if there is an end in sight, I will tell you that there may be, but it will be very difficult because monetisation is like a virus that has infested our politics. And you know how it is when you’re treating viruses, it is very difficult to eliminate them.” He noted.
According to him, the challenge lies in the fact that many voters now enjoy receiving inducements and, in some cases, demand them, while politicians see such expenditures as necessary to achieve their electoral ambitions.
“It is the case that even receivers enjoy receiving it, and they sometimes make demands for it. The politician, too has a goal ahead of him… and you will help him because you have the power to take him there.”
Ayipah argued that addressing the problem requires tackling it from the roots, beginning with how young people practice leadership in schools.
“You see pupils at primary schools who want to become compound or school prefects buying biscuits and toffees, and that is where it starts. So if you want to curb it, you don’t start only from the top.” He said.
He further warned that the failure to deal with vote-buying and political monetisation could have dire consequences for the country’s democracy.
“For instance, in Navrongo, we are many, but it is only one person who represents us in Parliament. That person carries our dreams, thoughts, aspirations, and power as a people. If we don’t do due diligence and allow ourselves to be influenced by money, we will end up with leaders who do not serve our interests,” he cautioned.
Ayipah urged citizens to scrutinise candidates at all levels, Assembly, parliamentary, and presidential, based on their vision and commitment to development, rather than on financial inducements.
Mike 105.3FM| Navrango | David Adapuna
This is very true. Most people dish out their destinies just for a day morsel of meat and end up picking worse leaders.