Vote-buying weakens democracy, impoverishes voters — Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie

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.

He acknowledged that while politicians who uphold integrity may lose elections, maintaining ethical standards is more important than securing victory through corrupt means.

The Chief Justice made the remarks at the launch of the National Integrity Awards Scheme, where he underscored the need to promote ethical leadership and strengthen integrity across public life.

“The honest politician may lose an election, but vote-buying weakens democracy and ultimately impoverishes the very people whose votes we purchased.

“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.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further stressed that public trust is the foundation of strong institutions, warning that corruption 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. 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.

He emphasised that the National Integrity Awards Scheme is a timely initiative that will help promote ethical conduct and reinforce accountability in leadership and public service.