Regulate political party financing -Dr Opong-Fosu on national reset agenda
Governance and Policy Analyst, Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has called for the strict regulation of political party financing in the country.
That, he said, would require a ban on vote-buying and empowerment of the Electoral Commission (EC) to enforce the regulations.
He argued that until unregulated party financing and vote-buying were brought under control, reforms under the national reset agenda in other areas such as leadership ethics, institutional renewal and anti-corruption efforts would not have any lasting impact.
Crossfire
Dr Opong-Fosu was speaking at the 10th Crossfire Leadership and Governance Lecture Series held in partnership with the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) on July 19, 2025.
It was organised by Crossfire Ghana, a civil society organisation. It was on the theme: “A Conversation on Resetting the Nation.”
Democracy pays a price
The former Minister of State described the cost of running for political office in Ghana as “obscene”, noting that the influence of money in politics was sidelining ethical, competent leaders and threatening the future of the country’s democracy.
“Political parties must evolve from vote-seeking machines to policy-focused democratic institutions. Internal democracy, ideological clarity and ethical leadership are essential to Ghana’s future,” he added.
Dr Opong-Fosu also noted that the core of the reset agenda must be a shift in mindset and leadership ethics.
“The purpose of power cannot be self-enrichment or patronage.
The reset agenda must address leadership rooted in ethics, empathy, vision and service,” he added.
He called on institutions such as the Council of State to become true moral compasses and for religious and traditional leaders to reclaim their roles as guardians of public conscience.
“Ghana came dangerously close to collapse due to deteriorating governance, unprecedented corruption and institutional paralysis under the previous administration.
President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda is not just a political slogan but a national imperative born from systemic failure,” he noted.
Integrity
Dr Opong-Fosu noted that the nation should let the reset gather momentum while it commits to building a Ghana of integrity, opportunity and justice, for all, not just the few.
In an interview with the lead convener of Crossfire Ghana, Nana Osei Tutu encouraged young people to prioritise self-development by pursuing education, acquiring practical skills and starting businesses.
He also advised the youth to take advantage of government initiatives such as the ‘No Fee Stress’ policy in order to help reduce financial pressure.
