Money Politics Destroying Ghana’s Democratic Values – Kwabena Agyepong

New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has raised alarm over the growing influence of money in Ghanaian politics, warning that it is eroding the values of sacrifice, service, and integrity that once defined the country’s democratic tradition.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr. Agyepong lamented that materialism and monetisation have replaced the selfless spirit of volunteerism and sacrifice that built the NPP’s United Party (UP) tradition.

“The fact that the country has been gripped by materialism worries me, and the monetisation of our politics… Adu Boahen’s tradition, Da Rocha’s tradition, R.R. Amposah’s tradition, Stephen Krakue, J.A. Addison and the rest, who put in their lives, their houses, their everything, is being eroded,” he said.

He recalled how in 1992, university lecturer Prof. Adu Boahen secured the party’s leadership over wealthy businessman J.A. Addison, demonstrating that vision and conviction—not money—were the key drivers of politics at the time.

Mr. Agyepong stressed that Ghana must return to that era where integrity and service defined leadership:
“I’m worried that we are allowing money to rule us in this country, and hopefully if I become President, I’ll restore those values of service, sacrifice and selflessness to the party and to society in general.”

According to him, the decline of volunteerism within the party is a symptom of this monetisation. “That spirit of fellow feeling, all for one, one for all, has virtually disappeared. People are not prepared to work for the party with the same gusto we saw when we were young,” he observed.

The former Press Secretary to President John Kufuor underscored the need to rebuild trust in politics by leading with integrity. He cited his own record in public service, stating that despite serving in high office for nearly six years, he did not use his position to amass wealth or acquire state property.

“I think you can serve your country and have a sense of fulfilment without being marvellously rich,” he said, adding that true leadership should be rooted in contentment rather than material gain.

Mr. Agyepong maintained that Ghana needs a “new era, a new dawn, and a new politician” who can inspire confidence in ordinary citizens by restoring the lost values of selflessness, humility, and accountability.