Hassan Ayariga, the Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), has expressed concern over the troubling state of politics in Ghana, expressing concern about the increasing monetization of the electoral process.
He lamented that voters now prioritize financial incentives over the qualities of intelligence and substance in candidates, which he believes has degraded the political system.
Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Ayariga warned that the presidency is increasingly being seen as a business venture, rather than a noble office of public service.
He criticized the lack of patriotic leadership and the growing trend of politicians using their positions for personal financial gain rather than serving the nation.
Ayariga also voiced concern about Ghana’s sovereignty, arguing that while foreign interests dominate the country’s natural resources and land, the presidency remains the last safeguard of national control.
He warned that this encroachment undermines Ghana’s autonomy and independence, stressing that patriotic leadership is essential to reclaim national interests and restore the country’s sovereignty.
He called for leaders who are genuinely committed to serving the people and the country, rather than those who enter politics for self-enrichment.
“Everything has been taken over by the foreigners. The only thing left is the presidency and sooner than later, because we believe in the monetisation of political affairs, the foreigners will get one of theirs to run for the president of Ghana and we will lose it.
“Today, the presidency is no more valued as it used to be. The presidency has been reduced to the politics of money rather than the politics of ideas. So, people who now have money can go and win the presidency of this country.
He emphasised, “Now we’re voting for people with more money than brains that is where we have gotten to and it is sad that we’re almost losing the presidency. The presidency has now been reduced to nothing. It’s no longer the presidency we used to value. Look at the calibre of people who are running for president today.
“Not to disgrace or undermine anybody. I have gone through this game for the past 12 years, I have not seen a leader who is running for the presidency who is more of a patriotic citizen who wants to change this country than who wants to do business. The office now turned into a business centre, so people are now running to do business with the office, to become popular, I mean to reap this country off.”
