Election Watch Ghana Urges Postponement of Akwatia By-Elections
Election Watch Ghana Seeks Postponement of Akwatia by-elections
Pressure group Election Watch Ghana is calling on the Electoral Commission (EC) to exercise its discretionary powers and postpone the upcoming Akwatia by-elections, scheduled for September 2, 2025.
The appeal comes in the wake of the tragic military helicopter crash in Adansi-Akrofuom on August 6, which claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians, including government officials, military personnel, and security officers.
Among the victims was Dr. Edward, a respected figure whose passing has left the Akwatia constituency in deep mourning. The group argues that going ahead with the polls so soon after such a national tragedy would not only be insensitive but could also dampen voter participation.
“This is a period of grief and reflection for the entire nation. We believe it is only respectful to allow families and communities to mourn before resuming political activities,”
— Election Watch Ghana statement.
The group is urging the EC to set a new date for the elections that will allow adequate time for national healing while ensuring that all political stakeholders can participate under fair and emotionally stable conditions.
The Akwatia by-election was triggered by a vacancy in Parliament following the death of its sitting MP. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has already withdrawn from the race to replace the late MP for Tamale Central, citing similar reasons of respect and national mourning.
Whether the EC will act on Election Watch Ghana’s appeal remains to be seen, but with just weeks to go, the call adds growing public pressure on the electoral body to prioritize empathy over electoral timelines.
Read Also: NPP’s Heartfelt Decision: Party Steps Aside in Tamale Central By-Election to Honour Late MP
