Politics is an investment, not vote-buying – Oti Regional Minister

The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has described electoral politics as an investment, saying that candidates spend money to mobilise support and participate in elections.

He said the financial commitments involved in campaigning, including transporting voters and providing for their basic needs during election periods, should be considered part of the investment required to compete for political office.

Speaking at JoyNews’ Democracy Is Not for Sale dialogue at the Dambai College of Education on Friday, November 13, he questioned why political spending was often criticised when financial transactions were accepted in other aspects of life.

“Who goes to school without paying for it? Who is a storekeeper who goes to buy things without paying? So why is it that when it is time for us to cast our votes during elections, it should be free?” he asked.

Mr Gyapong argued that candidates invest resources in their political ambitions because they expect to gain something from the process.

“As I stand here, I am a minister. If I don't do politics, will I become a minister? Do they just pick ministers? As the chief executive is sitting here, did he just get up to become a chief executive? If he doesn't pay, will he become a chief executive?” he asked.

He recalled that when political activities began in 1992, party organisers were already looking for people with the financial capacity to contest elections and engage voters.

According to him, candidates were expected to have the means to support their campaigns, including providing basic necessities such as water for people they engaged.

Mr Gyapong also cited the cost of transporting voters from long distances to participate in elections, as well as arrangements for their accommodation and food.

He said such expenses were part of the resources candidates commit to securing electoral support.

“Politics is a game. Everybody who is coming there to vote, they hire a car from Krachi West to cross the river to head to Jasikan to vote for someone who will later get a position and eventually get money to take care of his wife and children,” he said.

“If that person is going to vote, you, who want them to vote for you, would make sure you pay for the car they board. You will make sure to check where they will sleep and the food they will eat. So, is that one called sales? It is not sales.”

He maintained that the financial commitments involved in elections should be understood as political investment rather than the sale or purchase of votes.

“I call it democracy as an investment project because everyone wants to get something out of it. And so, if you want something out of it, then it means you have to invest. And if you have to invest, you don't call it selling or buying votes; no, it is an investment,” he added.