I used to borrow a motorbike to campaign- Haruna Iddrisu laments monetisation of politics
Long-serving Member of Parliament(MP) for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu has decried monetisation of Ghanaian politics in recent times, recounting that when he began his career in politics monetisation, such as doling out cash to prospective voters, was unheard of in political campaigns. He recalled that he used to borrow a motorbike to do the rounds […] The post I used to borrow a motorbike to campaign- Haruna Iddrisu laments monetisation of politics appeared first on MyNewsGh.
Long-serving Member of Parliament(MP) for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu has decried monetisation of Ghanaian politics in recent times, recounting that when he began his career in politics monetisation, such as doling out cash to prospective voters, was unheard of in political campaigns.
He recalled that he used to borrow a motorbike to do the rounds during his campaigns, lamenting that such a thing is no longer possible in present-day Ghanaian politics. He called on Ghanaians, especially the youth to speak up against the rapid monetisation of politics.
Speaking at the 15th MTN Pulse Africa Transform Summit in Kumasi last Saturday, Haruna Iddrisu stressed that the monetisation of Ghana’s democracy does not bode well for the future of the country and must be reversed.
“We have reduced our democracy to monocracy. Here it is now about who pays more and who is the highest bidder. That is wrong. And young people, it would help if you spoke about it even though I am an actor in it.
When my generation started, it was not about how much money you brought to a polling station and how much you paid.
In fact, I used to borrow a motorbike to campaign. Today I am not sure a candidate on a motorbike will be accepted. So, speak out and speak out for the good of the country,” he urged the youth.
Monetisation – giving monetary inducements or gifts to prospective voters in order to win votes rather than a focus on policy and programmes – has become worsen lately. Whereas a few years ago politicians used to give small amounts and gifts covertly, vote buying is now being openly done under the pretext of giving voters money for food and transport or any such explanations. Experts have warned that monetisation leads to poor leadership and corruption given the politicians must by all means possible recoup amounts they spent buying votes or prosecuting lavish campaigns.
The post I used to borrow a motorbike to campaign- Haruna Iddrisu laments monetisation of politics appeared first on MyNewsGh.
