Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, the Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, has revealed that New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates spent an average of GH¢10 million each during their campaigns for parliamentary seats.
Dr. Adomako Kissi shared this figure during an interview on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, December 14.
Speaking with host Selorm Adonoo, he discussed the significant financial investments made by candidates in their efforts to secure a parliamentary seat, underscoring the high stakes of Ghana’s political landscape.
While acknowledging the substantial financial commitments of his party’s candidates, Dr Adomako Kissi expressed concern about the unrealistic expectations placed on candidates by the electorate.
He highlighted the financial strain these campaigns put on candidates, particularly when the election results do not align with their efforts.
He noted that many candidates make these financial sacrifices intending to serve their constituents, only to face the harsh reality of electoral defeat.
“On average, every NPP Member of Parliament who went into this battle may have spent close to GH¢10 million. From primaries to date. GH¢10 million on average. And that is because they had faith and they felt that they could win. And like I said, I am not here to add to their injury. It is a very painful thing to invest so much and lose.
“These are some of the challenges we have with our democracy. And I think that we may have to dial down. I was talking with Honourable Henry Quartey, and he felt that people were also demanding more than was doable from a lot of ministers. But who caused it? The promises were many.”
