Samuel Appiah Darko, Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), has advocated for the formation of an independent committee to audit political party finances, aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in Ghana’s electoral system.
Speaking at a forum on campaign finance transparency organized by Transparency International Ghana on Friday, June 27, in Accra, Mr. Darko emphasized the pressing need to lower the financial burden of contesting political office.
He criticized the Electoral Commission’s dual function as both the regulator and the referee of elections, arguing that this setup undermines public confidence and fails to ensure effective monitoring of political party financing.
“Ghana should consider setting up an independent political audit committee like Norway has,” he suggested.
He explained that such a body should function independently from the Electoral Commission and could be composed of members from the Audit Service, the OSP, and the judiciary, led by a judge. It would utilize existing institutional capacities and be supported by a dedicated budget without operating as a standalone office.
His recommendation is part of a wider push for electoral and campaign finance reforms to shield Ghana’s democratic process from the excessive influence of money in politics.
