Election Watch Ghana has raised the alarm about what it calls “unprecedented” vote buying in the lead-up to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026. The civil society watchdog says the integrity of internal party elections and by extension Ghana’s democratic processes could be at risk if the reported practices continue.
In a statement issued on January 29, Election Watch Ghana said its field engagements show that some presidential aspirants are reportedly using large sums of cash to influence delegate decisions, a move it says undermines fairness and erodes confidence in the electoral process.
According to the group’s findings, leading candidates are reportedly committing between GH¢150 million and GH¢200 million to influence delegates, providing incentives such as complimentary hotel accommodation, transportation, meals, and daily allowances.”
“We are alarmed by reports of unprecedented vote buying. The integrity of our democratic process is under threat as candidates with deep pockets threaten to undermine the will of the people,” the statement said.
Election Watch Ghana is urging the Electoral Commission (EC) to intervene urgently, insisting that the process must be transparent and equitable for all candidates, regardless of their financial resources. The group also encouraged delegates, party members, and citizens to report any suspected vote-buying activity using the EC’s toll-free hotline.
The watchdog’s statement warned that the future of Ghana’s democracy is at stake if internal elections are perceived to be influenced by wealth rather than merit and genuine support.
As the NPP prepares for what promises to be a high-stakes contest to select its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections, the vote-buying debate raises deeper questions about the role of money in Ghanaian politics and the mechanisms that safeguard electoral integrity both within parties and at the national level.