State funding political parties, gov't assures support
Audrey Micah, Ghanadot

Accra, June 21, Ghanadot - Discussions on the subject of enhanced public support for political parties have been brought to its logical conclusion.

Twelve political parties under the auspices of the Electoral Commission (EC) at a two-day IPAC meeting in Akosombo, said the importance of public funding to political parties in the fulfillment of their constitutional obligations cannot be overemphasized.

The parties argued that public funding will afford them the ability to compete on a fairer and more even playing field in elections, thereby fulfilling their role of shaping the will of the people on a continuous basis.

Former President Kufuor and recently, President Mills early this year made a call to Parliament supporting state funding of political parties. Under the Frederich Egbert sponsored IPAC workshop, the parties, determined to pursue the theme of enhanced public support for their activities, concluded discussions on the subject, by issuing a communiqué for the consideration of all stakeholders.

IPAC asserted the need to establish a Political Parties Support Fund, (PPSF), to be managed by the EC. If implemented, parties will start benefiting from the fund after the 2012 elections.

According to Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan Chairman of EC, the authorities must now cooperate to make implementation of the fund a success.

He said the discussion was useful, ending the long hauled debate on political parties funding.

The Deputy Local Government Minister, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah in his reaction disclosed government preparedness to assist politocal parties, adding that the president assurance remains unchanged to proposals for state funding for political parties.

Mr. Ankrah’s assurances come in the wake of appeals by IPAC to President J.E.A. Mills to start the processes to ensure the proposed political parties support fund is established this year.

Gov't clears air over budget increase

Accra, March 28, Ghanadot - Soon after the Finance Minister presented the budget statement of the year 2009 to parliament, the minority raised concern over the budget of the president which it said has increased astronomically as compared to the year 2008 under President Kufour....More