About 49,966 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots today in the Ayawaso East Constituency to elect a new Member of Parliament in a by-election triggered by the passing of the sitting MP, Naser Toure Mahama. He died in January at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The contest features candidates from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), and two independent contenders.
During balloting held on February 12, the NDC’s Baba Jamal secured the first position on the ballot paper. The LPG’s Ibrahim Iddrisu followed in second place, while the NPP candidate, Yussif Baba Ali, picked the third slot. Independent aspirants Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Sanda and David Kannor occupy the fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Electoral Commission Readiness
The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has assured residents of its preparedness for the exercise.
Addressing the media, a Director of the EC, Sam Dottoh Kwaah, indicated that all officials required for the election had been recruited and trained to ensure a smooth process. He added that each of the 113 polling stations had been supplied with two Biometric Verification Devices to avoid disruptions.
According to him, ballot papers as well as Statement of Poll and Declaration of Results forms were printed and delivered to the constituency on Saturday, February 28.
Security
The Ghana Police Service has mounted extensive security arrangements across the constituency. About 80 officers are expected to be stationed at each polling centre to guarantee law and order.
“Every electoral area will have about 80 police officers to protect everyone. So everyone should come out and vote freely. We have adequate personnel who will be on standby to respond to emergency issues,” the Deputy Nima District Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asong Ayrakwa, told journalists last Wednesday.
In a further show of preparedness, the police conducted a route march through major streets in the constituency last Saturday. The exercise, which involved officers drawn from various units, was intended to reassure residents and deter potential disturbances before, during and after the polls.
A police statement dated February 28 explained that the operation formed part of broader efforts to maintain peace in what is widely regarded as a high-stakes contest.
Political Parties Readiness Before Today’s Vote
Political parties wrapped up vigorous campaigns ahead of today’s vote, deploying vans mounted with loudspeakers and embarking on intensive door-to-door outreach in several communities.
The NDC held its final rally on Sunday, describing the by-election as critical and urging supporters to turn out in large numbers. At the rally, the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, announced the removal of Umaru Sanda Mohammed from the party’s membership register following his decision to run as an independent.
“It will take him about eight years before he can contest any position in the party. Even if, after the by-election, he decides to return, he cannot contest immediately and would have to wait until 2032. I am really pained for him,” he said.
He further cautioned party faithful against internal divisions.
On the NPP side, the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and former General Secretary, John Boadu, were seen canvassing for votes in parts of the constituency, including the “Gutter” area.
Electoral History
Historically, the Ayawaso East seat has favoured the NDC. In the 2024 parliamentary election, the late Alhaji Mahama won 22,139 votes, representing 70.85 per cent, defeating the NPP’s Zak Rahman, who secured 29.15 per cent.
The NDC also maintained its dominance in the 2020 and 2016 elections, recording decisive victories over the NPP and other smaller parties.
Today’s outcome will determine who represents the people of Ayawaso East in Parliament and whether the constituency maintains its traditional voting pattern or charts a new political direction.
