The Former Director of Elections of the Electoral Commission, Albert Arhin has cautioned political parties and candidates against receiving funding from foreigners for their campaigns.
According to him, it is unlawful for any political party or candidate to accept or receive funds or gifts from any foreigner for campaign purposes.
“Foreigners are not allowed to fund political parties. The law frowns on either political parties or presidential aspirants seeking funding from foreigners. So, if a foreigner funds a political party, it is unlawful, according to the Political Parties Act, 2000.”
Speaking in an interview with Alfred Ocansey, host of TV3’s Ghana Tonight on Wednesday, Mr Albert Arhin quoted the Political Parties Act, 2000 (574) as stating, “A non-citizen shall not directly or indirectly make a contribution, donation or loan, whether in cash or kind to the funds held by or for the benefit of a political party and no political or person acting for or on behalf of a political party shall demand or accept a contribution donation or loan from a non-citizen.”
He further stated that the laws of Ghana mandate the Electoral Commission of Ghana to scrutinize the sources of funding for political parties, both before and after an election. But the Electoral Commission has not been able to execute this mandate.
He however, indicated the current Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Jean Mensah wants to enforce these measures, hence has started some education on it.
Mr Arhin recommended that Ghana learns from the United States, “Whatever, a candidate or political party gets, there should be receipts to show. Like in the United States, there is a particular institution in charge of it. Monies or gifts received by the president even during visits to other countries are accounted for.”
Mr Arhin’s advice follows allegation against the Vice President and flagbearer hopeful of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, that his campaign is being funded by a Nigerian Islamic Group, ACF.
Although Dr Bawumia’s campaign team has dismissed the allegation, the parliamentary candidate of Abura Asebu-Kwamankese for the opposition NDC, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu and other citizens have called on the Vice President, Dr Bawumia to come clean on the source of funding for his campaign.
By Clara Konadu Boadi