Samuel Appiah Darko, Director of Strategy, Research and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), has called for the creation of an independent Political Party Finance Audit Committee to enhance transparency and accountability in Ghana’s electoral system.
Speaking at a campaign finance transparency forum organized by Transparency International Ghana on Friday, June 27, in Accra, Mr. Darko emphasized the urgent need to reduce the high cost of running for political office.
He expressed concern over the Electoral Commission’s current dual function as both referee and regulator, arguing that this arrangement compromises public confidence and weakens oversight of political party financing.
“Ghana should consider establishing an independent political audit body, modeled after Norway’s system,” he suggested.
Mr. Darko explained that such a committee would function independently of the Electoral Commission and could be composed of representatives from the Audit Service, the OSP, and the judiciary, chaired by a judge. The body, he added, would use existing institutional structures and operate with its own budget.
His recommendation is part of wider advocacy efforts for comprehensive reforms in electoral and campaign financing, aimed at protecting Ghana’s democratic process from the increasing influence of money in politics.
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