Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has sounded a stark warning over the state of democracy in Africa, arguing that the growing influence of money in politics is steadily eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
Addressing participants at the High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialisation of Politics in Africa in Accra, Mr. Bagbin said democracy across the continent faces a defining test as campaign financing, vote buying and state capture increasingly shape political outcomes.
"When money becomes the primary measure of political success, public office is no longer a public trust but an investment to be recovered," he told delegates at the Kempinski Hotel.
The Speaker described the trend as more than a governance concern, calling it a crisis of democratic integrity that demands practical reforms rather than endless discussion.
Ghana's role in global anti-corruption efforts
Mr. Bagbin also highlighted Ghana's contribution to strengthening international standards on political finance transparency, pointing to the adoption of United Nations Resolution 11/7 during the Conference of State Parties held in Doha in December 2025.
The resolution, co-sponsored by Ghana, Norway and Mongolia, calls for greater transparency in the funding of political parties, election campaigns and candidates.
He singled out Ghana's Ambassador, Matilda Osei-Agyeman, for recognition, describing her diplomatic leadership as instrumental in securing the landmark resolution.
Still, he cautioned that international agreements alone would not solve the problem.
"The real work begins now," he said, urging countries to convert global commitments into enforceable domestic legislation backed by effective oversight institutions.
Parliament announces governance reforms
The Speaker used the occasion to outline institutional reforms being introduced within Ghana's Parliament to strengthen accountability and ethical standards.
Among them is the establishment of a Legal and Governance Services Division, which will house specialised departments responsible for anti-corruption, investigations and human rights.
He also announced the creation of an Ethics and Standards Committee to be supported by an independent Commissioner, describing the initiative as part of Parliament's broader effort to reinforce integrity in public service.
Call for continental cooperation
Speaking in his capacity as President of the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption and Vice President of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption, Mr. Bagbin challenged lawmakers across Africa to confront uncomfortable questions about fairness, transparency and public trust.
"Strengthening integrity in political finance is not just an anti-corruption objective. It is a democratic imperative," he said.
He concluded by urging African countries to learn from one another as they pursue reforms, arguing that no single nation possesses all the solutions.
His message was direct. If unchecked, the growing financialisation of politics risks weakening democratic institutions. If confronted collectively, however, Africa still has an opportunity to rebuild public trust and safeguard the future of democratic governance.
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