A former Member of Parliament (MP) for Akim Abuakwa South, Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, has thrown his weight behind the decision of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to impose a GH¢4 million development fee on each presidential aspirant.
The ex-MP who is also a former Minister for Works and Housing under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s first government emphasised that the move is a sensible approach for an opposition party to mobilise resources for its activities.
He argued that any presidential aspirant unable to raise the amount lacks the influence required to lead the party into a national election.
Atta Akyea’s remarks followed calls by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) for the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to probe the sources of campaign financing for NPP aspirants.
CDD-Ghana has raised red flags over the growing monetisation of Ghana’s politics and stressed the need for greater transparency in campaign funding.
With the NPP’s flagbearer election scheduled for January 31, 2026, only five contenders have so far filed their nominations.
Speaking on the issue, Dr. John Osai Kwarpong of CDD-Ghana underscored the urgency of campaign finance reforms.
He called for stronger legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, warning that high financial thresholds could shrink democratic space by limiting participation.
However, speaking in an interview with TV3, Atta Akyea said, “If you are in opposition, you will raise money, so it is a sensible way to raise money. If a man says he is credible and people should vote for him as a flagbearer, and he can’t raise 4 million Cedis, that means he doesn’t count; he is not even influential. Who is telling you that you are the one going to pay the money?”
Regarding the internal wranglings in the NPP, Mr Atta Akyea said that “Right now, what you are seeing is a normal political dynamic where people are competing for the flagbearer ship.
“If you believe you are the most credible candidate to become the flagbearer of the NPP, people should tone down and go on tour and campaign. Which of the candidates is your favourite? he was asked.
Answering the question, Mr Atta Akyea said, “I have told the whole world Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is my preferred choice or candidate.”
