Politics in Ghana has reached a lamentable state where financial means outweigh integrity and genuine intentions. The landscape is marred by a disturbing reality: without substantial financial resources, one's ability to serve the people is severely limited.

It matters little if one's intentions are noble, or if their proposed solutions are sound; the currency of influence is now predominantly monetary.

Even in local government elections, where the focus should be on addressing basic community needs, the exchange of money and favors has become commonplace. First-time parliamentary candidates vie for attention by showering constituents with promises of school construction, borehole drilling, cash donations, and extravagant sponsorships. This pattern extends to incumbent MPs, who utilize their power and financial clout to sway public opinion in their favor.

One cannot help but question the origins of these substantial financial resources. For many politicians, politics has become a lucrative business venture, with investments in campaigning expected to yield substantial returns once in office. Consequently, the post-election period often sees minimal tangible improvements in the lives of the electorate, as elected officials prioritize recouping their campaign expenditures over fulfilling their promises.

Regrettably, the influx of money into politics has created barriers for sincere individuals who aspire to serve their communities. Those genuinely motivated by a desire to effect positive change often lack the financial means to compete in a system increasingly dominated by wealth and influence. As a result, the cycle perpetuates, with the masses languishing in poverty and neglected conditions while political elites prioritize personal gain.

The disillusionment with contemporary politics is particularly pronounced among the youth, who had hoped to usher in a new era of issue-based governance. Instead, many find themselves succumbing to the same patterns of behavior exhibited by their predecessors, further entrenching the status quo.

In conclusion, the state of politics in Ghana is cause for concern, both for the present and the future. The erosion of principles such as integrity, accountability, and genuine service jeopardizes the democratic ideals upon which the nation was founded. It is imperative that we, as citizens, demand transparency, ethical conduct, and policies that prioritize the welfare of the people above all else. Only then can we hope to restore faith in the political process and effect meaningful change for the betterment of our nation.