OccupyGhana, a pressure group, has renewed its call for the criminalisation of vote buying in intra-party elections.
The group warned that the practice posed a growing threat to Ghana’s democratic accountability and political integrity.
In a letter dated February 9, 2026, and addressed to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, as well as the leadership of Parliament, OccupyGhana said the continued absence of explicit criminal sanctions for vote buying in internal party contests had created a “significant loophole” in the country’s electoral framework.
The letter, copied to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), recalled an earlier correspondence sent in October 2023, urging legislative and prosecutorial action to address the phenomenon.
“Intra-party elections are not peripheral political activities; they are decisive mechanisms through which candidates for public office are selected,” OccupyGhana stated.
“When these processes are distorted by financial inducements and material incentives, merit, competence and genuine representation are displaced by monetary influence.”
It argued that while national elections were governed by clear legal prohibitions against electoral corruption, similar safeguards did not apply to internal party elections, thereby entrenching corruption at the earliest stages of leadership selection and eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
OccupyGhana called for legislative reforms to expressly define and criminalise vote buying in intra-party elections, supported by effective sanctions and enforcement mechanisms.
It further proposed that such offences be placed under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Special Prosecutor rather than the Attorney-General’s Department.
“Vote buying in intra-party elections constitutes corruption and an abuse of public trust, matters that fall squarely within the statutory mandate of the OSP,” the letter said.
It added that prosecution by an independent body was essential to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest and to reinforce public confidence.
The renewed call comes amid heightened public attention on vote buying following allegations surrounding the National Democratic Congress’ Ayawaso East parliamentary primary held on Saturday.
The party has since announced the initiation of internal investigations, with the three-member committee expected to present their report on Tuesday, February 10.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has also confirmed that it is investigating the claims.
OccupyGhana said taking steps to criminalise intra-party vote buying would demonstrate a firm commitment to democratic integrity, political accountability and the rule of law.
The group requested to be informed of any steps taken or proposed by the authorities in response to its proposal and indicated its readiness, together with other civil society organisations, to support efforts towards effective and lasting reforms.
