A public forum held in Dambai, Oti Region, has called for increased public education on vote-buying and greater accountability from politicians. The forum, part of JoyNews' Democracy Is Not For Sale programme, brought together students, residents, and stakeholders to discuss the effects of vote-buying on Ghana's democratic process. Participants emphasized the need for politicians to end the practice of exchanging money and material benefits for votes.
Contributors at the forum argued that vote-buying undermines the integrity of elections and shifts attention from crucial issues such as development, good governance, and a candidate's ability to serve their community. They urged political parties and aspirants to focus on policies, competence, and commitment to national and local development rather than using money to influence voters.
The audience also called on politicians to honor promises made during election campaigns, particularly commitments to address development needs in communities in the Oti Region. They stressed that residents should not be left with unfulfilled promises after elections and urged elected representatives to remain accessible and accountable to the people they serve.
Persons with disabilities who participated in the programme emphasized the need for greater inclusion in the distribution of national resources and development opportunities. They called for their concerns to be recognized in government policies and development programmes to ensure they benefit from the country's resources and are not left behind.
The discussions highlighted the responsibility of citizens in protecting the democratic process, with participants encouraged to reject financial inducements and demand transparency from political leaders. The forum aimed to promote electoral integrity and encourage citizens to recognize their role in strengthening Ghana's democracy.
The Democracy Is Not For Sale programme is part of broader efforts to address vote-buying and promote accountability in Ghana's electoral process. The programme has been held in various regions, including the Savannah region, and has sparked discussions on the need for electoral reforms and greater transparency in politics.
Key stakeholders, including political parties and elected officials, have been urged to take concrete steps to address vote-buying and promote accountability. The participants' calls for action reflect a growing concern about the impact of monetization on Ghana's democratic process and the need for a more transparent and accountable electoral system.
Key points
- Participants at the forum called for increased public education on vote-buying and greater accountability from politicians.
- The practice of vote-buying undermines the integrity of elections and shifts attention from crucial issues such as development and good governance.
- Persons with disabilities emphasized the need for greater inclusion in the distribution of national resources and development opportunities.
