The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has proposed a ban on paid political advertisements on television, radio, and large public billboards as part of sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and levelling the playing field in Ghana’s electoral process.
According to the OSP, the growing dominance of campaign messaging by wealthy individuals and political parties undermines democratic principles and contributes to an uneven electoral playing field.
Speaking at a conference on campaign financing transparency organised by Transparency International Ghana in Accra, Samuel Appiah Darko, Director of Strategy, Research and Communication at the OSP, stressed the urgent need to reduce the cost of running for political office.
“We dare to say that there should be a way, when the law is amended, for any political donation to attract a tax, similar to how gifts are taxed. If possible, we should ban paid political advertisements on radio, TV, and the large billboards that clutter our public spaces,” he said.
Mr. Appiah Darko also raised concerns about the dual role of the Electoral Commission (EC) as both referee and regulator in Ghana’s electoral system. He proposed the establishment of an independent Political Party Finance Audit Committee to enhance accountability and oversight.
“Ghana should explore the creation of an independent political audit committee, similar to what exists in Norway,” he noted.
“This body would operate separately from the election organisers and could include representatives from the Audit Service, the OSP, and the judiciary, headed by a judge. It would leverage existing expertise and infrastructure, and operate with a dedicated budget, rather than functioning as a separate office.”
The proposals form part of broader calls for electoral and campaign finance reform to strengthen Ghana’s democracy and guard against undue influence from money in politics.
