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Political Finance Database

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Ghana

2016

2018

Bans and limits on private income

Public funding

Regulations of spending

Reporting, oversight and sanctions

Question	Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?	Code Yes 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?	Code No 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code No 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code No 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code No 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
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?	Code Yes 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?	Code No 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code No 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?	Code No data
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?	Code No 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?	Code Not 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?	Code No 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?	Code Not applicable
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?	Code No 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?	Code Not applicable
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?	Code No 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?	Code No 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?	Code No 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code Sometimes 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?	Code No 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?	Code No data
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?	Code No 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?	Code No 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?	Code Not applicable
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?	Code Not applicable
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?	Code Not applicable
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?	Code Yes 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?	Code Equal 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code No 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?	Code No 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?	Code No 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code No 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?	Code Not applicable
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?	Code No 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?	Code Not applicable
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?	Code No 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?	Code No 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?	Code No 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?	Code No 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code No 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?	Code No 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code Yes 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?	Code EMB 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?	Code EMB 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?	Code Request 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?	Code Fines 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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