Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called on African leaders to take decisive action against the growing influence of money in politics, warning that the rising cost of election campaigns is undermining democracy and public trust. Speaking at the opening of the High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialization of Politics in Africa in Accra, Bagbin said excessive campaign financing risks turning public office into an investment rather than a public service, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to participate in politics.
He urged African governments to move beyond discussions and implement practical reforms to promote transparency and accountability.
The Speaker highlighted Ghana’s contributions to global anti-corruption efforts, including its role in advancing the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on campaign finance transparency and whistleblower protection.
He also outlined institutional reforms introduced under his leadership in Parliament, including the creation of anti-corruption, investigations, human rights, and ethics departments to strengthen oversight.
Bagbin called for legal and financial reforms that prevent wealth from determining political outcomes, describing the conference as an opportunity for African countries to translate anti-corruption commitments into meaningful action.
