Hassan Ayariga, the Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), has expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating state of politics in Ghana, asserting that the presidency has been reduced to a business centre.
In an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, October 22, he criticized the increasing monetization of the electoral process, noting that voters now prioritize financial incentives over the integrity and competence of candidates, a trend he believes is eroding the country’s political system.
Ayariga highlighted the alarming perception of the presidency as a business venture rather than a position of public service, stating, “Today, the presidency is no more valued as it used to be. The presidency has been reduced to the politics of money rather than the politics of ideas. So, people who now have money can go and win the presidency of this country.”
He lamented that the current situation has led to a scenario where “we’re voting for people with more money than brains.”
“Not to disgrace or undermine anybody. I have gone through this game for the past 12 years, I have not seen a leader who is running for the presidency who is more of a patriotic citizen who wants to change this country than who wants to do business. The office has now turned into a business centre, so people are now running to do business with the office, to become popular, I mean to reap this country off,” he added.
Emphasizing the urgent need for patriotic leadership in Ghana, Ayariga argued that many politicians are using their influence to advance personal interests instead of serving the nation, undermining the core principles of leadership and weakening the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.
He also raised concerns about Ghana’s sovereignty, warning that the country’s natural resources and land are increasingly controlled by foreign interests.
“Everything has been taken over by the foreigners. The only thing left is the presidency and sooner than later, because we believe in the monetization of political affairs, the foreigners will get one of theirs to run for the president of Ghana and we will lose it,” he cautioned.
Ayariga called for a return to genuine leadership rooted in patriotism and service to the people, urging Ghanaians to support leaders who are truly committed to national development.