Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem has called for sweeping reforms in political financing across Africa, warning that opaque campaign funding, vote buying and illicit financial flows are weakening democratic systems and public confidence.

Speaking on behalf of Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the opening of a three-day High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialisation of Politics in Africa in Accra, Mr Nyarko Ampem said Ghana is pursuing measures to promote transparency and accountability in political funding.

He cited ongoing reforms, including the Conduct of Public Officers Bill and the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan, as part of efforts to establish a comprehensive framework to regulate political party and campaign financing.

The conference, themed "Advancing Reform, Accountability and Democratic Integrity," brought together political leaders, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and governance experts to discuss practical reforms to political financing in Africa.

Speaking on behalf of the vice president at the opening ceremony, the deputy finance minister said the increasing influence of money in politics threatens democratic participation, public trust and sustainable development.

He said the government is implementing reforms, including the Conduct of Public Officers Bill and the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan, while working towards a comprehensive legal framework to regulate political party and campaign financing.