Handouts Guide
Introduction
After the launch of the official campaign on Monday, 14th July 2025, the Registrar has been receiving a lot of enquiries regarding what constitutes a handout under The Registrar Act 2012 (Act 850). This guide is intended to provide answers to some of the questions that may have similar questions. Please note that this is just a guide. Contact matters if any complaint received by the Registrar will be dealt with according to its merits and the context that will be provided. It is therefore important for anyone using this guide to be prepared themselves with the relevant facts of the Political Parties Act and its Schedule.
Section 41 of the Political Parties Act provides that:
- A candidate or political party or body or any person contesting or intending to contest an election under this Act shall not at any time issue a handout.
- (This means handouts are prohibited at any time, not only during campaigning)
- A person shall not solicit or receive money or money’s worth from a candidate or political party or body or any person contesting or intending to contest an election under this Act.
- (The prohibition also includes those who ask to be given or those who are sent to give on behalf of others)
- A person who contravenes this section commits an offence, and shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine of GH¢1,000,000 and to imprisonment for two years or to both.
The Minister shall, in consultation with the Electoral Commission, political parties represented in the National Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders in election matters, make regulations to govern the prohibition of handouts under this Act in addition to any other matter under this Act.
The Schedule
1. Campaign materials:
e.g. Posters, t-shirts, party cloth etc.
2. Provision of transport:
Transport refunds to candidate’s entourage, transport refunds for campaigns, meals for campaigns etc.
Candidates have means like help a party or candidates get to campaign a party meeting. However the campaign team should be mindful not to give money or anything that will help in the organisation of the political meeting; those who are helping the party or candidates to build the campaign should not be given money.
3. Unsolicited religious obligations and offerings
This could be several like tithes, Sundays etc or offerings that candidates give to religious gatherings. These should not be construed as handouts.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
on What Constitutes a Handout
Who can Complain?
Any person with reasonable grounds
Which Complaint Form Should You Use?
Form A for handouts, Form B for anything else or general complaints
Are There Any Fees for Lodging a Complaint?
No fee or charge of any kind is payable when lodging a complaint, as it is completely free.
Can Your Identity Be Protected?
You may request that your identity be kept anonymous when lodging your complaint. You must provide reasons for the request. The office will respond to your request. If the request is rejected, reasons will be given. The office may also protect your identity on its own initiative where it considers it in the public interest to do so.
How Does the Office Handle Your Complaint?
Once a complaint is received, the Office will acknowledge receipt within 72 hours, register and review the complaint, and determine within 7 days whether the complaint should be admitted or rejected. Where a complaint is admitted, the investigation process will commence.
What Happens When a Complaint Is Admitted?
When a complaint is admitted, the Office formally registers and opens the matter, notifies the person complained against within 7 days of the commencement of investigations, and allows that person 30 days to submit a written response. During the investigation, investigators may require individuals to attend proceedings, produce documents, or provide sworn statements.
When May a Complaint Be Rejected?
A complaint may be rejected if it is frivolous, vexatious, or not made in good faith; if it does not disclose a contravention of the Act; if the incident occurred more than 120 days before the complaint was lodged; if the matter is already being handled by another law enforcement agency or a court; or if it has previously been submitted and rejected without any new facts or legal issues being raised.
What Types of Complaints Will the Office Consider?
The Office will only receive and consider complaints that relate to matters falling within the statutory mandate of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. Complaints that fall outside the Office’s mandate may be declined or referred to the appropriate authority