A recent survey has shown that the majority of Ghanaians are against the idea of funding political parties.

Many, however, think that individuals should be allowed to fund political parties. But the group that conducted the survey, the Centre for Democratic Development, (CDD) believes allowing individuals to fund political parties will create a situation where political parties will be hijacked by the rich.

CDD made these known at a workshop on political party financing in Ghana. CDD is currently in the process of finalizing a policy document on the funding of political parties.

Public Support For State Financing Of Political Parties Low A recent survey by the Centre for Democratic Development, CDD has revealed that the Ghanaian public is reluctant to support state financing of political parties in spite of the importance of political parties to multiparty democracy.

Instead, there is a clear preference for personal funding by party leaders. But the CDD says must be countered because it will encourage political corruption and control of parties by the rich.

This was made known at a workshop on political party financing in Ghana organized by the CDD, which is in the process of finalizing a policy document on political party financing.

Several ways of funding political parties have been suggested. Some of the sources suggested include the state, private sources, foreign sources, party funds or a combination of sources.

But what is perhaps working against the idea of external funding for political parties is the strong perception of high levels of corruption and low levels of transparency and accountability amongst political parties.

The research shows that there is very little support for direct funding of political parties.

About six out of ten people do not support the funding of independent candidates with state funds.

Presenting a paper on the financial implications of state funding of political parties, the executive secretary of the Centre for Policy Analysis, Dr. Joe Abbey supported the views of the public ? adding that the case for public funding of political parties has not yet been made.

He suggested the setting up of a common fund from which political parties would be funded.

The workshop also discussed the legal implications of state funding of political parties. The vice president of the Ghana Bar Association, GBA, Nii Osah Mills said in order for party financing to be implemented in Ghana, reforms to existing financial regulations are required.