Patronage politics, is the practice of exchanging political support and resources for personal loyalty, has long been a defining feature of Ghanaian politics. In simple language, patronage otherwise known as clientelism is when a politician gives money or incentives to voters in an exchange to their support or vote. Any relationship that allows a politician to give a voter an item in an exchange of votes to power can be term as a Patron-Client relationship.
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This kind of relationship has huge consequences on governance and how politicians are able to deliver on their promises. The winner takes all attitude and lack of consensus in our politics can all b e traced to the patron-client relationship.
The roots of patron politics in Ghana can be traced back to the colonial era, when British authorities relied on local chiefs and elites to govern the country. This system of indirect rule created a framework in which chiefs and other elites were given resources and authority in exchange for their loyalty to the colonial administration.
Post-independence Ghana more so, the fourth republic has seen a surge in this kind of relationship where politicians openly spray money on voters or promise them job and position in and exchange of vote. This has results it the zero-sum game where the winner takes all and the loser takes nothing. These practices are hugely embedded in our daily politics and seems to be accepted by all.
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In our contemporary politics, it is almost impossible to win an election if you refuse to give incentives or spray cash on voters. It has become the norm and the saddest thing is that, it has become the benchmark of judging politicians.
For there to be change of the status-quo, there would be a need to radically pass legislations that prohibits politicians from sharing money on campaign trails or better still enforce the political parties regulations that makes sure that the Electoral Commission audit their source of funds.
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There is also the need for voters to punish politicians that engages in this corrupt act by voting them out of power.
We as citizens should also change our attitude towards politicians by accepting incentives and promises in return for our votes. There is also the need for mass and national education that should be spearheaded by the National Commission for Civic Education and the Media.
