Money politics is pushing women and youth out – Inusah Fuseini

Former NDC MP for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini, has warned that the rising cost of politics is shutting women and young people out of public life. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, he said financial demands were also driving away people with integrity and fuelling corruption. His warning follows reports of alleged vote-buying during the NDC’s latest constituency executive elections.

The party has pledged to investigate credible complaints and sanction those found culpable. Mr Fuseini said women and young people were bearing the brunt of money’s growing influence. “Those heavily impacted by what is happening are women and the youth because they might not have the required resources to be able to do that.” He said the financial barrier was narrowing the political space.

People with integrity and reputations for service were also shying away because they could not afford the costs. He warned the consequences extend beyond internal party contests. Politicians who spend heavily to secure office expect to recover their investment. “A politician is not an NGO, and so when people spend that amount of money, they expect to recoup that, and that fuels corruption on a national scale.” Mr Fuseini said efforts to tackle inducement must rest on clear rules.

He explained that the NDC’s constitution lacked provisions giving its leadership bodies authority to handle such misconduct. His committee had recommended sanctions after acknowledging that inducement had occurred. However, it also recognised that the party’s constitution lacked a legal mechanism to address it. “So we need a framework,” he emphasised.

That framework, he said, must identify which party body should hear complaints. It must also define acceptable spending and distinguish legitimate support from inducement. “How much money can we say is appropriate in the circumstances? If somebody gives a delegate GH¢200, is it an inducement or what is it?” He also questioned how the party should treat payments described as transport support when the amounts exceed reasonable travel costs.

The proposals could give constituency councils of elders powers to handle complaints or refer cases to the national leadership. Mr Fuseini said the recommendations would undergo further scrutiny before being presented to a special congress for constitutional amendments. “So yes, it’s a work in progress.”