Ohene Kwame Frimpong Introduces Private Member’s Bill to Regulate Campaign Financing
Accra, February 10, 2026 – The Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Hon. Ohene Kwame Frimpong, has formally initiated a Private Member’s Bill to amend the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574) to introduce a comprehensive campaign financing regime in Ghana.
In a memo addressed to the Clerk to Parliament dated February 10, 2026, Hon. Frimpong requested the Legislative Drafting Office to prepare the proposed amendment for submission to the Speaker. The bill seeks to regulate campaign funding sources, impose spending limits, enhance transparency, and strengthen oversight mechanisms.
Addressing Rising Cost of Politics
According to the proposal, while Ghana has successfully conducted nine general elections since the return to multiparty democracy in 1992, the increasing cost of political campaigns poses a growing threat to democratic inclusivity and accountability.
The current Political Parties Act regulates party registration and operations but remains silent on campaign financing. As a result, there are no clear legal limits on campaign expenditure, contribution caps, or mandatory disclosure requirements.
The document cites research indicating that the cost of contesting presidential elections in Ghana has risen to approximately USD 200 million, while parliamentary campaign costs increased by 59% between 2012 and 2016.
Key Concerns Raised
The proposed bill highlights several challenges:
• Escalating campaign costs that favor financial strength over competence.
• Exclusion of women, youth, and persons of limited means from political participation.
• Allegations of vote-buying and illicit funding in recent party primaries.
• Weak oversight due to lack of disclosure and auditing requirements.
Major Provisions of the Bill
The Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to:
• Allow only Ghanaian citizens and registered entities to make political contributions.
• Prohibit foreign and anonymous donations.
• Cap individual contributions at GHS500,000 (presidential) and GHS100,000 (parliamentary).
• Limit campaign expenditure to GHS5 million (presidential) and GHS500,000 (parliamentary).
• Establish a Political Parties Development Fund to provide partial public financing.
• Mandate annual audits by the Auditor-General.
• Strengthen enforcement through the Electoral Commission and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Expected Impact
Hon. Frimpong believes the proposed reforms will promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in Ghana’s political system. The bill is also expected to reduce corruption, curb undue influence in politics, and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
If passed, the amendment would mark a significant shift in Ghana’s political financing landscape and align the country with global best practices adopted in over 180 countries worldwide.
