Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, a known critic and estranged member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has sharply criticized the party’s recently announced filing fees for presidential aspirants, warning that the move poses a serious threat to internal democracy.
Describing the GH₵600,000 fee—made up of GH₵100,000 for nomination and GH₵500,000 for filing, with an optional “development fee” at the National Council’s discretion—as excessive, Dr. Kennedy said it risks transforming the party from a platform for public service into one of privilege and exclusion.
“This isn’t just about affordability,” he said. “It’s a creeping democratic crisis. Yaanom may insult me again, but this is a conversation we must have.”
Quoting Article 55(5) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution—which requires political parties to operate democratically—Dr. Kennedy argued that such steep financial requirements violate the spirit of inclusive participation.
“When contesting in internal party primaries costs more than a public servant’s lifetime earnings, we’re no longer talking about public service—we’re talking about privilege,” he warned.
Dr. Kennedy also drew a stark comparison with Ghana’s Electoral Commission, which charged GH₵100,000 as the filing fee for presidential candidates in the 2020 national elections. “How does it make sense that running for president in the republic costs less than contesting in a party primary?” he asked.
He dismissed the argument that candidates who can’t raise the funds aren’t serious. “₵600,000 isn’t a test of ideas or integrity—it’s a test of access to wealth, financiers, and risky patronage networks.”
According to him, the system alienates youth, women, and reform-driven candidates, while reinforcing the power of the wealthy elite and weakening the quality of leadership available to the nation.
Dr. Kennedy called for urgent reforms, including:
- Capping nomination fees
- Eliminating development fees
- Introducing alternative eligibility options such as signature thresholds or refundable deposits
He also urged the Electoral Commission to play a stronger role in enforcing democratic norms within parties.
“Democracy should not be auctioned off to the highest bidder,” he concluded. “Ghana deserves better, and so do the political parties that serve it.”
