Ayawaso East By Election: Baba Jamal Emerges Victorious
“I decide to return to Ghana to contest for di position for MP sake of I want serve my pipo well. No be about money; for my life, I bin dey support many pipo wit fees, business capital, and oda tins,” stated Baba Jamal after his victory in the Ayawaso East by election held on March 3, 2026.
The election saw Baba Jamal, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secure a decisive win with 10,884 votes, significantly ahead of his closest rival, Baba Ali Yusif of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 4,009 votes. The total valid votes cast in the election amounted to 17,048, amidst a reported low voter turnout in a constituency with a voter population exceeding 40,000.
The by-election was necessitated by the passing of sitting MP Mahama Naser Toure in January 2026, creating a vacancy that needed to be filled. Historically, Ayawaso East has been a stronghold for the NDC, making this election particularly significant for the party’s continued influence in the area.
Prior to the election, the Electoral Commission (EC) had ensured that “all categories of officials for the by-election had been recruited and trained to smoothly manage the election,” according to EC Director Sam Dottoh Kwaah. Security was also a priority, with 80 police officers deployed to each polling station to maintain order during the voting process.
Despite the peaceful conduct of the polls, the voter turnout was lower than expected, raising questions about the engagement of the electorate. There were also reports of 120 rejected ballots, which could indicate some confusion among voters regarding the voting process.
In a notable development, Umar Sanda Mohammed, who contested as an independent candidate, was expelled from the NDC prior to the election. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah remarked on the implications of this decision, stating, “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.” This situation reflects the internal dynamics and challenges within the NDC as they navigate their political landscape.
With his victory, Baba Jamal has committed to uniting the party and focusing on development for the people of Ayawaso East. His previous role as the Ghana high commissioner to Nigeria may provide him with valuable experience as he embarks on this new political journey.
As the dust settles on the Ayawaso East by election, the NDC will be looking to capitalize on this victory while addressing the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in engaging the electorate and ensuring their continued support in future elections.
