Asiedu Nketia Calls for State Funding of Political Party Primaries, Warns Rising Costs Threaten Ghana’s Democracy
NDC Chairman argues that government support for internal party elections could promote transparency, fairness and wider participation
By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | August 8,2026
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has renewed calls for the state to consider funding political party primaries, arguing that the increasing cost of organising internal elections is becoming a threat to Ghana’s democratic development.
According to the veteran politician, political parties perform an important public function in Ghana’s democratic system, and their internal processes should not be treated purely as private affairs. He believes government support could help reduce financial barriers and ensure that more citizens have the opportunity to participate in party politics.
The High Cost of Party Elections
Asiedu Nketia pointed to previous internal elections organised by the NDC as examples of the financial burden political parties face. He recalled that the party’s 2014 “one member, one vote” exercise cost about GH¢14 million, highlighting the enormous resources required to organise nationwide primaries.
He argued that when parties are forced to rely heavily on private funding to organise these exercises, it can create challenges, including increased influence from wealthy individuals and groups.
The NDC chairman has previously raised concerns about the growing cost of accessing political office in Ghana, describing it as a worrying development that could affect the country’s democratic system.
A Debate Over Public Interest and Party Independence
The proposal is expected to generate debate among political observers, with some questioning whether taxpayers’ money should be used to support activities of political parties, while others argue that strong political parties are essential to maintaining Ghana’s democracy.
Supporters of state funding believe it could improve accountability, reduce excessive spending during primaries and create a more level playing field for candidates who may not have access to large financial resources.
However, critics may argue that political parties should continue to finance their own internal activities without relying on public funds.
Calls for Electoral Reforms
Asiedu Nketia’s comments add to a broader conversation about political financing and electoral reforms in Ghana. Over the years, concerns have been raised about campaign spending, vote buying and the influence of money in politics.
The NDC chairman has also previously questioned why state institutions such as the Electoral Commission should charge political parties for supervising internal elections, arguing that such processes serve a wider public interest.
As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, the question of how political parties are funded and regulated remains a major issue that policymakers may have to address.
For Ghanaian News Canada, this conversation reflects a bigger question: how can Ghana protect democratic participation while ensuring political processes remain transparent and accessible to all citizens?
