Western Regional NCCE Director Warns Against Vote Buying at Democracy Forum

The Western Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Andrews Ofori Larbi, has cautioned that vote buying and selling pose a significant threat to Ghana's democratic development. He made the remarks during the Western Regional edition of Adom Brands' "Democracy Is Not For Sale" forum held at the Takoradi Library.

The forum brought together citizens, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to discuss the growing influence of money in Ghana's democratic process. Discussions focused on vote buying, campaign financing, the increasing cost of political participation, and illicit funding in elections.

Addressing participants, Mr. Ofori Larbi explained that vote buying occurs when elections, votes, political influence, or public office are secured through cash, gifts, or favors rather than through competence, integrity, and a candidate's track record. He warned that such practices undermine free and fair elections and weaken public confidence in democratic governance.

Highlighting findings from an NCCE nationwide study conducted in August 2024 across all 276 constituencies, involving 9,324 respondents, he disclosed that 64.3 percent of respondents believed vote buying influences how people cast their votes. According to him, the findings demonstrate the urgent need for intensified civic education and stronger public commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana's electoral process.

Mr. Ofori Larbi further observed that cultural and spiritual beliefs also influence voting behaviour. He noted that some voters believe they may suffer spiritual consequences if they accept money from a political candidate but fail to vote for that candidate. He explained that such perceptions continue to shape electoral decisions in some communities.

He therefore emphasized that addressing vote buying requires a collective effort involving citizens, political parties, civil society organizations, and state institutions. He also expressed concern over the increasing normalization of the practice, particularly among young people, including students in educational institutions, and called for sustained civic education to reverse the trend and strengthen Ghana's democracy.

The forum concluded with a renewed call for citizens to reject vote buying and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and credible elections.