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Introduction
Two members of the Parliament of Ghana died on July 7 and Aug. 6, 2025. Ernest Yaw Kumi’s sudden demise was met with utmost shock, whereas Murtala Muhammend Ibrahim’s death in a tragic helicopter crash rocked the entire nation and the world. However, parliamentary businesses must continue to ensure effective governance in Ghana. As a result, the gallant servants must be replaced with new ones to represent the citizens of their respective constituencies.
Background
As stipulated in Ghana’s 1992 constitution, the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) announced it would hold by-elections in the two constituencies.
Article 112 (5) stipulates that:
“Whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days after becoming aware that the vacancy has occurred; and a by-election shall be held within thirty days after the vacancy occurred except that where the vacancy occurred through the death of a member, the by-election shall be held within sixty days after the occurrence of the vacancy.”
According to their mandate, the EC held the seemingly peaceful Akwatia by-election on Sept. 2, 2025, which was contested by several political parties. The seat, which the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ernest Kumi held until his demise, was won by the National Democratic Congress’ Bernard Baidoo at the end of the by-election.
What has been the situation at Tamale Central Constituency? The EC has scheduled the by-elections for Tamale Central for Sept. 30, 2025. DUBAWA seeks to highlight the events surrounding the by-election.
Initial stance from Political Parties
The EC announced that it will receive nominations from prospective candidates in the Tamale Central by-elections from September 8 to September 10, 2025.
Ghana’s major opposition party, the NPP, withdrew from contesting the Tamale by-election on Aug. 11, 2025. In pursuance of Article 10 (10) (1) of the party’s constitution, the party cited several reasons for withdrawing from the by-election. The key reason was the “circumstances” under which the Tamale seat became vacant.
“It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed, is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central,” the presser stated.
“The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The Party believes that the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided,” the statement signed by Justin Kodua Frimpong added.
On the other hand, by the close of the day on Sept. 10, three candidates had filed for nominations for the Tamale Central seat. The candidates include Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu for the NDC, Ibrahim Mohammed Hafiz for the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), and Alidu Mohammed Nasir-deen for the People’s National Convention (PNC).
The U-turn
In a quick turn of events, the candidates for the LPG and PNC later submitted their letters of intention to withdraw from the contest.
In Ghana, the Public Elections Regulations guide presidential and parliamentary elections. Regulation 10 (4) (a) and (b) of the Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 127) allows a candidate to withdraw at any time before the elections.
Regulation 10 (4) states:
“Subject to subregulation (2) of regulation 13, a duly nominated candidate
(a) may withdraw as a candidate at any time before election day; and
(b) shall write to the Commission to inform the Commission of the decision to withdraw.”
Seidu Mahama Alidu then becomes a sole contestant in the Tamale Central Contest. What becomes of the by-election procedure?
What the law says
Regulation 12 of the Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 127) makes provision for such situations.
Regulation 12 stipulates that:
“Where the time allowed for delivery of nomination papers has ended and on the day before the election, only one candidate stands nominated, that candidate shall be declared elected.”
Conclusion
Going by Regulation 12 of Public Election Regulation 2020 (C.I. 127), “in the absence of any other nominated candidate,” Seidu Mahama Alidu will be declared a member of parliament for the Tamale Central constituency on Sept. 30, 2025.
