The cost of winning a presidential election in Ghana has risen to over $200 million, according to the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
Speaking at an Open Society event in Accra on September 15, 2025, the Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, warned that the soaring cost of elections could exclude competent leaders who lack access to abundant resources.
He explained that this development raises serious concerns about the inclusiveness and sustainability of Ghana’s democratic system.
“I think you need about $200 million to win a presidential contest. How many of you here are ever going to be in that category or cohort of candidates? Even at the parliamentary or primary level, it is nearly impossible for many of you,” Prof. Prempeh said.
He further cautioned that these trends jeopardize Ghana’s pursuit of democracy and prosperity, stressing that politics risks becoming preserved for the wealthy and well-connected.
“We cannot have that kind of democracy and expect it to be developmental. So, we need to worry about campaign financing and regulating our internal party democracy,” he added.
CDD-Ghana’s warning comes amid growing concerns about campaign financing, with civil society groups calling for stricter regulations to ensure fairness, accountability, and inclusivity in the political system.
