NPP Communicator Calls for Stronger Enforcement of Electoral Laws
A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has declared that vote-buying must be treated as a criminal offence under Ghana’s laws and not dismissed as a mere internal party matter.
According to him, the growing perception that vote-buying is an acceptable political strategy within party primaries and internal elections undermines the country’s democratic integrity and erodes public trust in the electoral process.
‘Crime Against Democracy’
Haruna Mohammed stressed that vote-buying constitutes a direct violation of Ghana’s electoral laws and should be handled by law enforcement agencies rather than party disciplinary committees.
“Vote-buying is not an internal party issue. It is a criminal matter,” he stated, arguing that any attempt to downplay the practice weakens the rule of law and encourages impunity.
He explained that when aspirants induce delegates or voters with money or gifts in exchange for support, it distorts the democratic process and shifts focus away from competence and policy ideas.
Call for Independent Investigations
The NPP communicator urged the Electoral Commission, the police and other relevant institutions to take a proactive role in investigating allegations of vote-buying during both party primaries and national elections.
He maintained that political parties alone cannot effectively address the issue, as internal mechanisms are often limited by partisan considerations.
Protecting Ghana’s Democratic Gains
Haruna Mohammed warned that normalising vote-buying poses a long-term threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials. He noted that democracy thrives on fairness, transparency and equal opportunity—not financial inducements.
He called on political actors across party lines to commit to clean campaigns and urged delegates and voters to reject monetary incentives that compromise their conscience and the nation’s future.
“Ghana’s democracy must not be reduced to the highest bidder,” he added.
Growing Public Concern
His comments come amid increasing public debate over allegations of inducements in party primaries and broader electoral contests.
Observers have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws to deter aspirants and political financiers who engage in such practices.
Haruna Mohammed concluded by emphasising that safeguarding the credibility of elections is a shared responsibility and that decisive action against vote-buying is critical to strengthening Ghana’s democratic foundations.
