Bernard Mornah has called for stringent measures to clamp down on vote-buying in political party elections, insisting that the practice must attract severe penalties to protect the integrity of internal democratic processes.
The outspoken political figure argues that vote-buying poses a serious threat to democratic accountability, undermines the credibility of party elections and creates an unfair political environment where financial influence takes precedence over competence, leadership qualities and genuine grassroots support.
Mornah believes that political parties must move beyond merely condemning the practice and introduce concrete measures that make electoral bribery costly and unattractive to those who engage in it.
He maintains that individuals who attempt to influence delegates and party members through cash inducements, gifts or other material benefits must face significant sanctions to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
According to him, allowing vote-buying to thrive in party elections risks rewarding wealthy aspirants at the expense of capable candidates who may lack the financial resources to compete in an increasingly monetised political environment.
The call also raises concerns about the growing influence of money in internal party contests, where the ability to distribute financial incentives can potentially overshadow policy proposals, leadership credentials and a candidate’s record of service.
Mornah’s position underscores the need for political parties to strengthen their internal electoral regulations, establish effective monitoring mechanisms and ensure that disciplinary measures are applied consistently, regardless of the status or influence of those involved.
He believes that credible party elections are fundamental to strengthening Ghana’s democracy, warning that political organisations cannot effectively promote democratic accountability at the national level while tolerating electoral malpractice within their own structures.
His intervention adds to the broader debate about the role of money in Ghanaian politics and the urgent need to protect the country’s democratic institutions from practices that threaten free, fair and transparent elections.
The message is clear: vote-buying must no longer be treated as a routine political tactic. Those who seek to purchase electoral victories must be made to pay a heavy price.
