Chief Justice warns vote-buying is impoverishing Ghanaians and weakening democracy
Accra, July 27, 2026 —
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has warned that vote-buying poses a serious threat to Ghana’s democracy, saying the practice weakens democratic institutions and ultimately leaves the electorate worse off.
Speaking at the launch of the National Integrity Awards Scheme in Accra, the Chief Justice said while politicians who uphold integrity may lose elections, maintaining ethical standards is more important than securing victory through corrupt means.
“The honest politician may lose an election, but vote-buying weakens democracy and ultimately impoverishes the very people whose votes we purchased,” he said.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stressed that corruption carries a collective cost that far outweighs any short-term political gain. “The cost of integrity is often paid by the individual; the cost of corruption is paid by all of us; that is why integrity remains indispensable. No nation has ever succeeded by rewarding dishonesty indefinitely,” he said.
He noted that the National Integrity Awards Scheme was a step in the right direction to promote ethical leadership and strengthen integrity across public life. According to him, rewarding honesty and accountability will help rebuild public confidence in governance.
The Chief Justice further warned that public trust is the foundation of strong institutions, and that corruption directly erodes confidence in governance and the justice system.
“Sooner or later, every society discovers that trust is its greatest currency. Once trust disappears, institutions begin to weaken, contracts lose meaning, public confidence erodes, justice itself becomes suspect,” he stated.
He said the judiciary in particular depends heavily on public confidence to function effectively. “As Chief Justice, I know that the judiciary depends on one thing above all else: not buildings, not budgets, not even judgements; it depends on public confidence,” he said.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie called on political leaders, civil society, and citizens to reject vote-buying and other corrupt practices, adding that Ghana’s democratic progress will be measured by the strength of its institutions and the integrity of its leaders.
The National Integrity Awards Scheme is aimed at recognizing individuals and institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to ethics, transparency, and accountability in public service.
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