A Singaporean businessman, Toh You Kang, has released a bombshell in court filings, alleging that he invested $1.5 million in the 2024 campaign of National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This, according to him, followed an advice and persuasion from the NDC’s Greater Accra Regional Chairman and former Adentan MP, Emmanuel Nii Ashie-Moore.
Mr. Kang claimed that a substantial sum was used to procure party paraphernalia and other items and shipped to Ghana to support the NDC’s nationwide campaign operations, particularly in promoting its flagship “24-hour economy” policy.
The money, he claimed, was used to manufacture and distribute party-branded materials such as T-shirts, wristbands, caps, scarves, aprons, rings, and “24-hour economy” policy booklets.
Illegal act
Per the laws of Ghana, it is unlawful for any political party or candidate to accept or receive funds or gifts from any foreigner for campaign purposes.
The Political Parties Act, 2000 Act (574) clearly stipulates that, “A non-citizen shall not directly or indirectly make a contribution, donation or loan, whether in cash or kind to the funds held by or for the benefit of a political party and no political or person acting for or on behalf of a political party shall demand or accept a contribution donation or loan from a non-citizen.”
Funds meant to secure political access
In an affidavit filed in support of a human rights lawsuit currently before an Accra High Court, Mr Kang stated that Ashie-Moore advised him to support the NDC as a strategic business decision.
He said Ashie-Moore allegedly argued that aligning with a major political party, especially during an election year, will guarantee smoother business operations in Ghana.
Mr Kang said Ashie-Moore made a compelling case for financing the party, citing Ghana’s politically polarised environment and the advantages of being seen as a party financier.
The promise, according to him, was that this political goodwill will clear bureaucratic red tape and shield him from investment roadblocks when entering Ghana’s electricity cable market.
President Mahama’s name
Perhaps the most striking claim in Kang’s sworn affidavit is the allegation that Ashie-Moore invoked the name of President John Dramani Mahama to extract more funds from him.
Mr Kang claimed that Ashie-Moore led him to believe that Mr Mahama himself was aware of and supported the business-financing arrangement.
This, Kang said gave him the confidence to continue sending funds and cooperating with Ashie-Moore on other ventures, including the establishment of NSG Innovation Limited—a company that was meant to execute contracts with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Part of larger human rights suit
The revelation of the campaign financing forms part of a broader legal action filed by Kang, who is demanding GH¢20 million in compensation for what he describes as human rights violations, unlawful detention, extortion, and business deception, all allegedly engineered by Ashie-Moore.
The lawsuit, filed at the Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra, also seeks to recover $800,000 Kang claims he paid for non-existent ECG contracts, and damages for being assaulted, detained, and denied legal counsel during a business visit to Ghana in May 2025.
Mr. Ashie-Moore has since denied the highly intriguing allegations.
