A total of 49,966 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots today in the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election to elect a new Member of Parliament (MP).
The by-election follows the death of the sitting MP, Naser Toure Mahama, in January at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ballot Positions
Following balloting on February 12, 2026, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Baba Jamal, secured the top spot on the ballot.
Ibrahim Iddrisu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) drew the second position, while Yussif Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took the third slot.
Independent candidates Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Sanda and David Kannor occupy the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
The outcome will determine who represents the Ayawaso East Constituency in Parliament.
EC Assures Readiness
A Director of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), Sam Dottoh Kwaah, told the Daily Graphic that the Commission is fully prepared for the exercise.
He indicated that all categories of election officials had been recruited and trained to ensure smooth management of the poll. Two Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) have been deployed to each of the 113 polling stations.
Mr Kwaah added that ballot papers, Statement of Poll and Declaration of Results forms were printed and delivered to the constituency on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Tight Security Measures
The Ghana Police Service has announced the deployment of 80 officers to each polling station as part of comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a peaceful vote.
The Deputy Nima District Police Commander, Asong Ayrakwa, assured residents that adequate personnel would be on standby to respond to any emergency.
Ahead of the polls, the police conducted a show of force and route march through the principal streets of the constituency to deter potential troublemakers and reassure residents of their readiness.
Campaigns Intensify
Political parties wrapped up vigorous campaigns ahead of today’s vote, with rallies, motorcades, door-to-door engagements and community outreach dominating the final days.
The NDC held a final rally on Sunday to energise supporters and maximise turnout. During the event, the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, announced the removal of Umaru Sanda Mohammed from the party’s membership roll following his decision to contest as an independent candidate.
On the NPP side, the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and former General Secretary, John Boadu, were seen campaigning in parts of the constituency.
Electoral History
In the 2024 parliamentary election, Alhaji Mahama secured 22,139 votes (70.85%) to win the seat, while the NPP’s Zak Rahman obtained 9,110 votes (29.15%).
In 2020, Alhaji Mahama polled 23,583 votes (61.18%), defeating the NPP’s Peter Kwame Antwi Mireku, who garnered 14,966 votes (38.82%).
During the 2016 polls, Alhaji Mahama won 23,407 votes (62.10%), ahead of Mireku’s 13,599 votes (36.08%). Other candidates included Mohammed Ibrahim Bilal of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Abdul Ganiyu Shaibu of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), and Alhassan Abubakari of the People’s National Convention (PNC).
With tight security, full logistical preparation, and heightened political activity, all eyes are on Ayawaso East as voters decide their next parliamentary representative.
