The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sparked controversy with its Presidential Business Dinner, scheduled for February 27, 2025.
The event, which aims to foster public-private partnerships and drive Ghana’s economy, has been criticized for offering sponsorship packages that grant access to former President John Dramani Mahama.
This move has drawn parallels with the “Cash for Seat” scandal that marred President Akufo-Addo’s presidency in 2017.
The scandal involved expatriate businesses being allegedly charged up to $100,000 to sit close to the President at a dinner event.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and accusations of corruption.
The NDC’s Presidential Business Dinner led by Dr Ekwow Spjo Garbrah has raised similar concerns, with sponsorship packages ranging from GHC10,000 to GHC 200,000.
Critics argue that this creates a pay-to-play environment, where businesses can buy access to Mahama and potentially influence government policy.
According to the NDC Business Development & Entrepreneurship Committee, the sponsorship packages offer varying levels of access to the President and other government officials.
The most expensive package, the “Platinum Plus Plus Sponsorship,” costs GHC 200,000 and includes three minutes of talk time with the President, six pull-up banners, a three-minute promotional video, and ten VIP seats for members.
The controversy surrounding the Presidential Business Dinner has sparked a heated debate about the role of money in politics and the integrity of the office of the President.
While the NDC has defended the event, saying it aims to bring together business leaders and government officials to discuss Ghana’s economic growth, opponents remain skeptical.
They argue that the event is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to sell access to the President and his administration.
However, the incident has raised questions about the NDC’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
