The Anyaa-Sowutuom MP, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, has disclosed that New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates spent an average of GH¢10 million each during their election campaigns.
Dr Adomako Kissi made this revelation during an interview on Channel One TV on Saturday, where he discussed the substantial financial investments made by candidates in their pursuit of parliamentary seats.
He emphasised the high financial stakes in Ghana’s political arena.
While acknowledging the significant financial sacrifices made by NPP candidates, Dr Adomako Kissi expressed concern over the unrealistic expectations placed on candidates by voters.
He pointed out the heavy financial burden these campaigns place on the candidates, especially when election results do not reflect their efforts.
He explained that many candidates make these considerable financial investments with the hope of serving their constituents, only to face the disappointment of electoral defeat.
“On average, each NPP parliamentary candidate may have spent close to GH¢10 million. From primaries to this point. GH¢10 million on average.
“They had faith, believing they could win. It is truly painful to invest so much and lose,” he remarked.
He further pointed to some of the challenges within Ghana’s democracy, suggesting that there may need to be a recalibration of expectations.
He shared his conversations with Henry Quartey, who expressed concern that the demands placed on ministers were sometimes beyond what was feasible.
However, Dr Adomako Kissi acknowledged that these expectations had been partly shaped by an excess of promises made during campaigns.
