John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister of Ghana, has characterized the financial aspects of electoral politics as a necessary investment rather than a mechanism for buying votes. Speaking at a dialogue hosted by JoyNews titled Democracy Is Not for Sale, Gyapong argued that the costs associated with campaigning are comparable to other financial transactions in daily life. He addressed the event at the Dambai College of Education on Friday, November 13, according to MyJoyOnline.
Gyapong questioned the criticism often directed at political spending by drawing parallels to education and commerce. He asked why society accepts payment for schooling and retail goods but views financial engagement in elections as illicit. "Who is a storekeeper who goes to buy things without paying?" he asked, suggesting that the expectation of free participation in elections is inconsistent with other economic activities. He maintained that candidates must spend resources to mobilize voters and compete for office, framing these expenditures as investments with expected returns.
The minister emphasized that political ambition requires financial commitment, noting that individuals do not attain high office without engaging in the political process. "If I don't do politics, will I become a minister?" he asked, pointing out that leadership positions are not assigned arbitrarily but are the result of active political participation and resource allocation. He recalled that since political activities began in 1992, party organizers have consistently sought individuals with the financial capacity to contest elections and engage with voters.
Gyapong detailed the specific costs involved in campaigning, including transporting voters from distant areas, providing accommodation, and supplying food and water. He described a scenario where a candidate pays for a car to transport voters from Krachi West to Jasikan, ensuring their comfort and sustenance during the process. He argued that these logistical arrangements are not sales but essential components of securing electoral support. He stated that voters also invest in the process by seeking positions that provide financial security for their families.
He concluded that democracy functions as an investment project where all participants expect to gain something. Because everyone seeks a return on their investment, the financial commitments made by candidates should be understood as part of the political game rather than corruption. Gyapong insisted that labeling these necessary expenditures as vote-buying mischaracterizes the nature of political competition and the resources required to succeed in it.