Ghanaians Must Fund Politics to Demand Accountability – Senyo Hosi
Economist and Policy Analyst, Senyo Hosi, has attributed the country’s weak governance structures and political dysfunction to a systemic failure in financing political activities, warning that unless Ghanaians take ownership of political funding, the country risks deepening its democratic and developmental challenges.
Speaking during the NorvanReports and Economic Governance Platform (EGP) X Space discussion on the topic “Mining, Power and Protectionism: Who Really Benefits From the Deportation of Foreign Galamseyers?”, Mr. Hosi minced no words as he bemoaned the entrenched culture of expecting good governance without adequate investment in politics.
“We want good governance, but we don’t want to pay for it. We want good politicians, but we don’t want to fund politics,” he stated bluntly.
According to him, the country’s refusal to deliberately and transparently fund political campaigns has left the political space vulnerable to influence by individuals with deep, and often illegitimate pockets.
“How many of us can pull together $5 million for a politician? How many businesses can do that?” he queried. “We want politicians to find money to run campaigns, but we don’t ask where that money is coming from. Printing money is a crime. So they go to those who create money – whether it’s legitimate or illegitimate.”
Mr. Hosi argued that until Ghanaians begin to see political financing as a civic responsibility, rather than an optional exercise or a corrupt transaction, political leaders will continue to be indebted to those who sponsor their campaigns and will inevitably serve their interests over the needs of the broader population.
He revealed that he personally contributes financially to every major political candidate, not for personal gain, but as part of his civic duty.
“I have never done government business in my life, but I fund almost every presidential candidate. Not because I ask for anything, but because I believe it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “Going forward though, I might start demanding contracts, because it makes no sense to fund politics and expect nothing when others are doing so and reaping heavily.”
Touching on Ghana’s post-independence trajectory, Mr. Hosi lamented the growing apathy and passive citizenship that, in his view, is fast eroding the gains made by the country’s forebears.
“The Ghana we want will never come to us because we feel entitled to it. It will only come because we fight for it. Independence was fought for. It didn’t come overnight,” he reminded.
He further warned that if citizens continue to watch passively while the political system is manipulated by moneyed interests, they will ultimately pay the price through poor governance, corruption, and a bleak future for their children.
“We expect politicians to deliver miracles, yet we give them no tools. We are happily destroying our children’s future and we act like we are entitled to a better future. If you can’t fight even for clean water, then you’re not worthy to call yourself a Ghanaian,” he said passionately.
Mr. Hosi called on Ghanaians, especially the youth, to rise up and contribute meaningfully to shaping the country’s political and economic future.
“The Ghana we need is in our hands. Let’s fight for it – not just for ourselves, but for our children and our children’s children,” he concluded.
