IET-Ghana President calls for national dialogue on political party funding

The President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-Ghana), Henry Kwadwo Boateng, has called for a national conversation on political party financing as a key strategy in the fight against corruption. 

He expressed concerns about the opaque nature of political party funding, particularly when political parties transitioned from power to opposition.

Mr Boateng was speaking during the induction ceremony for new engineers in Tamale last Saturday

"How is it that political parties in government are always well-resourced, yet become financially distressed the moment they lose power?" he queried.

"We must ask ourselves where these resources come from while in office," Mr Boateng said.

Failure

Mr Boateng noted that failure to meet those expectations could lead to agitation among grassroots members and erode the popularity of the ruling government.

“This practice creates an unhealthy system where public office holders feel compelled to divert state resources or engage in corrupt acts to support their political parties,” he said.

The IET-Ghana president emphasised the need for a bold national decision on the funding of political parties.

Transparent

Mr Boateng noted that a transparent and dedicated source of funding for political parties, regardless of whether they were in power or opposition, would significantly reduce the temptation to misappropriate public funds for political purposes.

“If we are truly committed to fighting corruption and promoting national development, then we must prioritise reforms in political party financing.

“Without this, our efforts to combat corruption will continue to face serious challenges,” he concluded.