Baba Jamal wins Ayawaso East by-election for National Democratic Congress

The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) announced the results on Tuesday evening after collation of ballots from polling stations across the constituency.

Moments after the declaration, supporters of the NDC candidate poured onto the streets in celebration, waving party colours, dancing, and chanting slogans to mark the victory.

The by-election was conducted to fill the seat left vacant following the death of the late Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama, in January.

Four other candidates contested the seat: Baba Ali Yussif of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ibrahim Iddrisu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), and two independent candidates — Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Sanda and David Kanor.

Early projections had pointed to a comfortable lead for Baba Jamal, and the final results reflected those expectations.

Turnout was relatively slow in the early hours of voting, with some observers attributing the delay to the ongoing Ramadan fast, which may have influenced when some voters chose to cast their ballots. Activity, however, picked up later in the day as more residents reported to polling stations.

Security featured prominently throughout the exercise. The Ghana Police Service deployed officers to all designated polling centres and key locations, assuring residents of safety before, during, and after voting. Police officials described the atmosphere as calm and orderly, with no major incidents recorded as counting and collation proceeded. The Inspector-General of Police also toured parts of the constituency as polls closed.

With the victory, Baba Jamal returns to Parliament to represent Ayawaso East, pledging to serve constituents and continue the development agenda for the area.