Ayawaso East By-Election: NPP and LPG Announce Candidates as Debate Over 'Widow-to-MP' Trend Intensifies

The political landscape of the Ayawaso East constituency is heating up as major parties finalize their candidates for the upcoming by-election scheduled for March 3, 2026. The vacancy was created by the passing of the sitting Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In preparation for the contest, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially unveiled Baba Ali as its parliamentary candidate. Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Divine Agorhom, cited Ali’s extensive experience, humility, and proven ability to mobilize support as the decisive factors behind his selection, signaling the party’s intent to run an aggressive and focused campaign to secure the seat.

Simultaneously, the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) has nominated Ibrahim Iddrisu to represent the party in the constituency. LPG General Secretary Jerry Owusu Appauh emphasized that Iddrisu was chosen for his alignment with the party’s core values of integrity, inclusive development, and responsive governance. The LPG leadership framed its participation as a commitment to providing the electorate with credible and accountable representation, focusing on practical solutions to local challenges while ensuring a peaceful and democratic electoral process.

The National Democratic Congress, which formerly held the seat, is preparing for its own internal primary on February 7, 2026. The race features five contenders, most notably Hajia Amina Adama, the widow of the late MP. Her candidacy has sparked a significant national debate regarding the growing trend of political parties fielding widows to succeed their deceased husbands in Parliament. Nyonkopa Daniels, Executive Director of Peace Watch Ghana, has emerged as a vocal critic of this practice, labeling it culturally inappropriate and politically unwise. Daniels argued that widows should be allowed to mourn their spouses rather than being pressured into political roles, and she called on traditional authorities to intervene to protect cultural values.

As the March 2026 by-election approaches, the diverse field of candidates and the surrounding commentary reflect the high stakes of the contest. While the NPP and LPG have focused their narratives on experience and integrity, the NDC's upcoming primary remains under intense scrutiny due to the 'widow-to-MP' controversy. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on the constituency's preference for either continuity, fresh leadership, or a shift in the traditional political strategies employed by Ghana’s major political parties. The electoral process will serve as a test for the strength of democratic participation and the resilience of local political structures in the Greater Accra Region.