Executive Director of Global Info Analytics, Mussa Dankwah, has welcomed the Supreme Court’s position on expanding participation in political party primaries, describing it as a step that could deepen Ghana’s democratic system and reduce the undue influence of a small group of delegates.
Speaking on the issue, Dankwah argued that broadening participation in internal party elections would make the selection of parliamentary and presidential candidates more representative. He noted that under the current system, relatively small groups of delegates wield significant influence, making them susceptible to financial inducements by aspiring candidates.
While acknowledging that a larger delegate base could increase the cost of conducting primaries, he maintained that the benefits far outweigh the financial burden. According to him, expanding participation would weaken the bargaining power of a few delegates who often seek personal gain instead of advancing the interests of the wider party membership.
Dankwah further argued that delegates exist to represent the views of ordinary party members and should therefore vote in line with the wishes of their constituencies. He said internal party disputes often arise when delegates pursue their personal interests rather than reflecting the preferences of those they represent.
Commenting on proposals for the state to finance political parties’ internal elections, Dankwah said identifying a challenge does not necessarily mean government should bear the cost of addressing it. He suggested that political parties with members in good standing should be able to mobilise resources to fund their own primaries.
However, he proposed that the Electoral Commission could play a greater role by organising internal party elections, with public resources directed towards the Commission’s administration of the process rather than providing direct financial support to political parties.
Story by Ruth Quaye
