Ghana

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Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    55.15. Only a citizen of Ghana may make a contribution or donation to a political party registered in Ghana.
    Source: Article 55.15, Constitution of Ghana, 1996

     

2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    With exception of the companies owned by citizens.

  • Source

    23. 1 Only a citizen may contribute in cash or kind to the funds of a political party
    2. A firm, partnership, or enterprise owned by a citizen or a company registered under thelaws of the Republic at least seventy-five percent of whose capital is owned by a citizen is for the purposes of this Act a citizen.
     Source: Art, 23, The Political Parties Act, 2000

4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    23. 1 Only a citizen may contribute in cash or kind to the funds of a political party
    2. A firm, partnership, or enterprise owned by a citizen or a company registered under thelaws of the Republic at least seventy-five percent of whose capital is owned by a citizen is for the purposes of this Act a citizen.
     Source: Art, 23, The Political Parties Act, 2000

6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

      BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Political parties must submit financial report with the source of its funds.

  • Source

    21. 1- A political party shall within six months from 31st December of each year, file with the Commission [...]
    II- the sources of its funds
    Source: Art, 21, The Political Parties Act, 2000

8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

  • Source
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    23. 1 Only a citizen may contribute in cash or kind to the funds of a political party
    2. A firm, partnership, or enterprise owned by a citizen or a company registered under thelaws of the Republic at least seventy-five percent of whose capital is owned by a citizen is for the purposes of this Act a citizen.
     Source: Art, 23, The Political Parties Act, 2000

10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    23. 1 Only a citizen may contribute in cash or kind to the funds of a political party
    2. A firm, partnership, or enterprise owned by a citizen or a company registered under thelaws of the Republic at least seventy-five percent of whose capital is owned by a citizen is for the purposes of this Act a citizen.
     Source: Art, 23, The Political Parties Act, 2000

12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    23. 1 Only a citizen may contribute in cash or kind to the funds of a political party
    2. A firm, partnership, or enterprise owned by a citizen or a company registered under thelaws of the Republic at least seventy-five percent of whose capital is owned by a citizen is for the purposes of this Act a citizen.
     Source: Art, 23, The Political Parties Act, 2000

15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

    23. 1 Only a citizen may contribute in cash or kind to the funds of a political party
    2. A firm, partnership, or enterprise owned by a citizen or a company registered under the laws of the Republic at least seventy-five percent of whose capital is owned by citizens is for the purposes of this Act a citizen.
    Source: Art, 23, The Political Parties Act, 2000

22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    23. 1 Only a citizen may contribute in cash or kind to the funds of a political party
    2. A firm, partnership, or enterprise owned by a citizen or a company registered under the laws of the Republic at least seventy-five percent of whose capital is owned by citizens is for the purposes of this Act a citizen.
    Source: Art, 23, The Political Parties Act, 2000

    24. 1- A non-citizen shall not directly or indirectly make a contribution or donation or loan whether in cash or in kind to the funds held by or for the benefit of a political party and no political party or person acting for or on behalf of a political party shall demand or accept a contribution donation or loan from a non-citizen.
    Source: Art, 24, The Political Parties Act, 2000

24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeSometimes
  • Comment

    Loans can be taken only from the citizen and his/her company.

  • Source

    23. 1 Only a citizen may contribute in cash or kind to the funds of a political party
    2. A firm, partnership, or enterprise owned by a citizen or a company registered under the laws of the Republic at least seventy-five percent of whose capital is owned by citizens is for the purposes of this Act a citizen.
    Source: Art, 23, The Political Parties Act, 2000

    24. 1- A non-citizen shall not directly or indirectly make a contribution or donation or loan whether in cash or in kind to the funds held by or for the benefit of a political party and no political party or person acting for or on behalf of a political party shall demand or accept a contribution donation or loan from a non-citizen.
    Source: Art, 24, The Political Parties Act, 2000

25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (amended 1996)

    Source: The Political Parties Act, 2000

Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
  • CodeNo public funding available
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Nor does the law provide for direct public funding of political parties or the election campaign.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

    Source: Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (amended 1996)

    Source: The Political Parties Act, 2000

29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    55. 11. The States shall provide fair opportunity to all political parties to present their programmes to the public by ensuring equal access to the state-owned media.
    Source: Article 55, Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (amended 1996)

33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeEqual
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    55. 11. The States shall provide fair opportunity to all political parties to present their programmes to the public by ensuring equal access to the state-owned media.
    Source: Article 55, Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (amended 1996)

34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    There is the provision regarding presidential candidates.

  • Source

    55.12. All presidential candidates shall be given the same amount of time and space on the state-owned media to present their programmes to the people.
    Source: Article 55, Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (amended 1996)

35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Nor does the law provide for direct public funding of political parties or the election campaign.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

    Source: Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (amended 1996)

    Source: The Political Parties Act, 2000

36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Nor does the law provide for direct public funding of political parties or the election campaign.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

    Source: Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (amended 1996)

    Source: The Political Parties Act, 2000

37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Consequently, gender affirmation actions taken by different parties are done so at their discretion without basis in law.
    Source: African Union Commission (2017), African Union Election Observation Mission to the 7 December 2016 General Elections in the Republic of Ghana, Final Report, June 2017, AUC

Question Value
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    33. (1) A person commits the offence of bribery -

    (a) if he directly, or acting through another person –

    (i) gives money, or obtains an office for a voter in order to induce the voter to vote, or refrain from voting; or

    (ii) corruptly does such an act on account of a voter having voted, or restrained from voting; or

    (iii) makes a gift, or provides something of value to a voter to induce the voter to vote in a certain way, or to obtain the election of a candidate; or

    b) if he advances, or pays money, or causes money to be paid to, or for the use of a person, with the intent that the money, or part of it shall be expended in bribery at an election, or knowingly pays money, or causes money to be paid to a person in discharge, or repayment of money wholly, or in part expended in bribery at an election; or

    (c) if, before or during an election he directly or indirectly, by himself or through another person acting on his behalf, receives, agrees, or contracts for money, gift, a loan or valuable consideration, or an office, place or employment for himself, or for another person for voting, or agreeing to vote, or for refraining, or agreeing to refrain from voting; or

    (d) if after an election he directly, or through another person receives money, or valuable consideration on account of a person having voted, or refrained from voting, or having induced another person to vote, or to refrain from voting.

    Source: Article 33(1), Representation of the People Law, 1992.

39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

    Source: Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (amended 1996)

    Source: The Political Parties Act, 2000

40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    There is no campaign spending limit or limit on financial donations to political parties or candidates.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    The legal framework does not contain provisions on campaign finance to ensure a level playing field.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    The legal framework does not contain provisions on campaign finance to ensure a level playing field.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    The legal framework does not contain provisions on campaign finance to ensure a level playing field.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    The legal framework does not contain provisions on campaign finance to ensure a level playing field.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

Question Value
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    21. 1- A political party shall within six months from 31st December of each year, file with the
    Commission.
    a- a return in the form specified by the Commission indicating
    I- the state of its accounts
    II- the sources of its funds
    III-membership dues paid
    IV- contributions or dominations in cash or kind
    V-the properties of the party and time of acquisition
    VI- such other particulars as the Commission may reasonably require and,
    b- audited accounts of party for the year.

    Source: Article 21,The Political Parties Act, 2000

    The law obliges parties to declare their assets, expenditures and liabilities within six months of each year.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    14. 1- A political party shall, within twenty –one days before the general elections, submit to the Commission a statement of its assets and liabilities in such form as the Commission may direct.
    2- A political party shall within six months after a general or by-election in which it has participated , submit to the Commission a detailed statement in such form as the commission may direct of all expenditure incurred for that election.

    Source: Article 14, The Political Parties Act, 2000

    The law obliges parties to declare their assets, expenditures and liabilities within six months of each year, within 21 days prior to elections and within six months after elections,
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    The legal framework does not contain provisions on campaign finance to ensure a level playing field.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    The legal framework does not contain provisions on campaign finance to ensure a level playing field.
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    55.14 Political parties shall be required by law
    a.to declare to the public their revenues and assets and the sources of those revenues and assets; and
    b. to publish to the public annually their audited accounts.

    Source: Article 55.14 Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (amended 1996)

    21.2 Any person may, on payment of a fee determined by the Commission, inspect or obtain copies of the returns and audited accounts of a political party filed with the Commission under this section.
    Source: Article 21.2, the Political Parties Act, 2000

52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    There is no obligation for the reports from candidates.

  • Source

    21. 1- A political party shall within six months from 31st December of each year, file with the
    Commission.
    a- a return in the form specified by the Commission indicating
    I- the state of its accounts
    II- the sources of its funds
    III-membership dues paid
    IV- contributions or dominations in cash or kind
    V-the properties of the party and time of acquisition
    VI- such other particulars as the Commission may reasonably require and,
    b- audited accounts of party for the year.

    Source: Article 21,The Political Parties Act, 2000

53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    There is no obligation for the reports from candidates.

  • Source

    21. 1- A political party shall within six months from 31st December of each year, file with the
    Commission.
    a- a return in the form specified by the Commission indicating
    I- the state of its accounts
    II- the sources of its funds
    III-membership dues paid
    IV- contributions or dominations in cash or kind
    V-the properties of the party and time of acquisition
    VI- such other particulars as the Commission may reasonably require and,
    b- audited accounts of party for the year.

    Source: Article 21,The Political Parties Act, 2000

54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    There is no obligation for the reports from candidates.

  • Source

    14.2- A political party shall within six months after a general or by-election in which it has participated , submit to the Commission a detailed statement in such form as the commission may direct of all expenditure incurred for that election.

    Source: Article 14, The Political Parties Act, 2000

    The law obliges parties to declare their assets, expenditures and liabilities within six months of each year, within 21 days prior to elections and within six months after elections,
    Source: EU (2016), EU EOM Ghana Presidential And Parliamentary Elections 2016, Final Report, EU

55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
  • CodeEMB
  • Comment

    There is no obligation for the reports from candidates.

  • Source

    14.2- A political party shall within six months after a general or by-election in which it has participated , submit to the Commission a detailed statement in such form as the commission may direct of all expenditure incurred for that election.
    Source: Article 14, The Political Parties Act, 2000

    21. 1- A political party shall within six months from 31st December of each year, file with the
    Commission:
    a- a return in the form specified by the Commission indicating [...]
    Source: Article 21,The Political Parties Act, 2000

    The Act, however, requires political parties to submit to the EC statement of assets and liabilities within twenty-one days prior to a general election.
    Source: African Union Commission (2017), African Union Election Observation Mission to the 7 December 2016 General Elections in the Republic of Ghana, Final Report, June 2017, AUC

56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeEMB
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    21.3 Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Commission may at any time upon reasonable grounds order the accounts of a political party to be audited appointed by the Commission whose fees and expenses shall be paid by the Commission and also request the political party to file with the Commission the audited accounts at a time to be specified by the Commission.
    Source: Article 21.3, The Political Parties Act, 2000

57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeRequest additional information from potential violator
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    22.1 The Commission may by writing upon stated grounds request an executive officer of a political party to furnish for inspection by the Commission records of the party or such other information as is reasonably required by the Commission to enable it ensure that the provisions of this Act are complied with.

    2-A political party or an executive officer of a political party shall comply with request made to it or to him by the Commission under subsection1.

    Source: Article 22, The Political Parties Act, 2000

58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
  • CodeFines | Prison
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    41. (1) A person convicted of the offence, of personation, bribery, treating or undue influence, under sections 32, 33, 34 or 35 of this law, shall be liable on conviction, to a fine not exceeding ¢1 million, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both; and shall for a period of five years after the date of the expiration of his term of imprisonment, be disqualified from being registered as a voter, or voting at a public election.

    Source: Article 41 (1), Representation of the People Law, 1992.

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