Ghana's parliamentary system has been criticized for its high financial barriers, which hinder capable individuals from entering politics. According to a report by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the actual cost of securing a parliamentary seat now averages GH¢4 million. This has led to concerns that the system favors those with significant financial resources over those with the necessary skills and experience. The high cost of entry has also been cited as a factor in the commercialization of internal party elections.
The financial burden of contesting for a parliamentary seat is substantial. For the 2024 elections, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) charged aspirants GH¢78,000 in total, while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) charged GH¢45,000. These costs include filing fees, development fees, and nomination fees. Additionally, candidates who win the primary must pay the Electoral Commission GH¢10,000 to be on the ballot. These costs are significant, especially when compared to the national daily minimum wage of GH¢18.15.
The high cost of entry has significant implications for the quality of Ghana's parliament. Article 94 of the Constitution sets out the requirements for a candidate, which include being a Ghanaian citizen, at least 21 years old, and a registered voter. However, the article does not specify any educational or literacy requirements. This has led to concerns that some members of parliament may not have the necessary skills to effectively participate in the legislative process.
The lack of educational and literacy requirements has resulted in a significant number of new members entering parliament without the necessary experience or skills. In 2024, 801 candidates were registered for the parliamentary election, and between 120 and 128 of the members who took their seats were new to parliament. While a renewal of the house is welcome, concerns exist about the readiness of these new members to effectively participate in the legislative process.
The work of a member of parliament requires a certain level of literacy and understanding of complex issues. Members must be able to read and understand bills, participate in committee work, and question ministers. A member who cannot read or understand these documents is dependent on others for interpretation, which can compromise their ability to effectively participate in the legislative process.
The use of indigenous languages in parliament has been expanded, and members have utilized this provision to address the house in their native languages. However, this does not negate the need for members to have a certain level of literacy and understanding of complex issues. The ability to communicate effectively in a native language does not necessarily translate to the ability to understand and interpret complex documents.
The financial barriers and lack of educational requirements have significant implications for the structural quality of Ghana's parliament. The system favors those with significant financial resources over those with the necessary skills and experience. This can compromise the ability of parliament to effectively check the executive and perform its oversight functions.
Key points
- The high cost of entry to contest for a parliamentary seat in Ghana has significant implications for the quality of the legislature.
- The lack of educational and literacy requirements for candidates has resulted in a significant number of new members entering parliament without the necessary experience or skills.
- The use of indigenous languages in parliament does not negate the need for members to have a certain level of literacy and understanding of complex issues.
