NPP’s development fee “undemocratic and unreasonable”- Prof Oquaye

Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has strongly criticised the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision to impose a GH¢4 million fee on potential flagbearer candidates, describing it as a “suicidal pathway” that threatens the core values of democracy.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Graphic, Prof. Oquaye argued that the move effectively turns the party’s internal elections into a commercial transaction, stressing that “a political party is not for sale.”

He referred to the GH¢4 million “development fee” as a “bubonic plague” and cautioned that “moneycracy” should not be mistaken for democracy.

“The GH¢4 million so-called development fee is a bubonic plague. Moneycracy is not democracy, and a political party must not be seen to be pursuing that pathway,” he said.

Under the current policy, NPP presidential aspirants are required to pay GH¢100,000 for nomination forms, GH¢500,000 for filing, and an additional GH¢4 million for the development levy, which is purportedly intended to strengthen party structures.

Many critics, including members within the party, argue that such exorbitant fees are designed to favor financially well-off candidates and marginalize those with fewer resources.

Prof. Oquaye, who led the 12-member committee that investigated the NPP’s loss in the 2024 elections, warned that the policy could undermine public trust in the party and damage Ghana’s democratic reputation.

“This is now a national concern. Under the 1992 Constitution, political parties must conduct their internal affairs in line with democratic principles,” he stated.

He called on the NPP leadership to reconsider the fee structure, labeling it “unreasonable, undemocratic, and contrary to the party’s founding ideals.”