By: Kekeli K. Blamey
A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Democratic Governance Ghana (CDD-Ghana) has shed light on the priorities of Ghanaians in the upcoming elections.
According to the survey, 58% of respondents would vote for presidential and parliamentary candidates from the same party, while 15% would opt for candidates from different parties.
The survey identified candidate honesty (90%), character (88%), and campaign promises (59%) as the top factors influencing voter decisions.
These findings, according to CDD-GH suggests that Ghanaians value integrity and trustworthiness in their leaders.
The survey also revealed that the Ghana Armed Forces, religious leaders, traditional leaders, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations (CSOs) are the most trusted institutions in Ghana.
On the other hand, institutions such as the presidency, courts, Electoral Commission, police, opposition political parties, and Members of Parliament were among the least trusted, with percentage rates of 14% to 5%.
The survey further indicated that the police, Presidency, tax officials, MPs, judges, and magistrates, and the Electoral Commission are perceived as the most corrupt institutions, with percentage rates of 63%, 53%, 51%, 44%, and 43%, respectively.
Alarmingly, the survey showed a decline in the percentage of individuals who could report incidents of corruption without fear, from 36% in 2019 to 26% in 2024.
Mrs. Mary Addah of the Ghana Integrity Initiative, Dr. John Osae-Kwapong of CDD-Ghana, and Mr. Edem Senanu of the Citizen’s Movement Against Corruption, unanimously emphasized the need for policymakers to address corruption, protect whistleblowers, and consolidate democracy in Ghana.
