Presidential candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has raised alarm over the current state of politics in Ghana, particularly the growing monetization of the electoral process.
He expressed concern that voters are increasingly swayed by financial incentives rather than focusing on the intelligence and capabilities of candidates, which he believes is eroding the integrity of the political system.
In an interview on Channel One TV, Mr. Ayariga cautioned that the presidency is becoming more of a business venture than a noble role of public service.
He condemned the lack of patriotic leadership and the rising trend of politicians using their positions for personal financial gain rather than serving the nation.
Mr. Ayariga also voiced fears about Ghana’s sovereignty, stating that foreign interests are taking over the country’s natural resources and land, with the presidency being the last stronghold of national control.
He warned that this external encroachment threatens Ghana’s autonomy and independence, underscoring the need for patriotic leadership to reclaim the nation’s interests and restore its sovereignty.
The presidential hopeful called for leaders who are genuinely dedicated to serving the people and the country, rather than those who pursue politics for personal enrichment.
“Everything has been taken over by the foreigners. The only thing left is the presidency and sooner than later, because we believe in the monetisation of political affairs, the foreigners will get one of theirs to run for the president of Ghana and we will lose it.
“Today, the presidency is no more valued as it used to be. The presidency has been reduced to the politics of money rather than the politics of ideas. So, people who now have money can go and win the presidency of this country.
He emphasised, “Now we’re voting for people with more money than brains that is where we have gotten to and it is sad that we’re almost losing the presidency. The presidency has now been reduced to nothing. It’s no longer the presidency we used to value. Look at the calibre of people who are running for president today.
“Not to disgrace or undermine anybody. I have gone through this game for the past 12 years, I have not seen a leader who is running for the presidency who is more of a patriotic citizen who wants to change this country than who wants to do business. The office now turned into a business centre, so people are now running to do business with the office, to become popular, I mean to reap this country off.”
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