Ayawaso East Heads to the Polls: 'Battle of Babas' to Decide Successor to Late MP Mahama Naser Toure

3rd March•3 min read•8 sources

Voters in the Ayawaso East Constituency of the Greater Accra Region are heading to the polls today, March 3, 2026, to elect a new Member of Parliament. The by-election was necessitated by the untimely passing of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure, in January. A total of 49,966 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 113 polling stations in a contest that is being closely watched as a test of political strength in a traditional stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that all logistics, including Biometric Verification Devices and trained personnel, are in place to ensure a transparent and credible process.

The election has been colloquially dubbed the 'Battle of the Babas,' as the two primary contenders represent the nation's dominant political parties: Baba Jamal of the NDC and Yussif Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). They are joined on the ballot by three other candidates: Ibrahim Iddrisu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), and independent candidates David Kanor and Umaru Sanda Mohammed. Interestingly, the NDC recently announced the removal of Umaru Sanda from its membership following his decision to run as an independent. The vacancy created by Baba Jamal’s candidacy has also triggered shifts in the diplomatic corps, with President John Dramani Mahama appointing businessman Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu as the High Commissioner-Designate to Nigeria to replace Jamal.

Security remains a top priority for the exercise, with the Electoral Commission and security agencies deploying a significant force to maintain order. Reports indicate that up to 80 police officers have been assigned to each polling station to prevent electoral misconduct and ensure the safety of voters. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), supported by the National Peace Council, has issued a final appeal for peaceful conduct. Mr. Mawuli Agbenu, the NCCE Greater Accra Regional Director, emphasized the importance of lawful dispute resolution and urged residents to cooperate fully with electoral officials to uphold Ghana’s democratic integrity.

While Ayawaso East has historically leaned toward the NDC since 1992, political analysts suggest that voter turnout—which often fluctuates during by-elections—will be a decisive factor in today's outcome. Both the NPP and NDC have intensified their grassroots mobilization and high-profile campaigning in the final days leading up to the vote. The results of this by-election will not only determine the new representative for the constituency but will also serve as a barometer for the political climate ahead of future national elections. Polls are expected to close by late afternoon, with official results anticipated shortly thereafter.

This story touches markets covered on Anansi Intelligence ↗.

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Ayawaso East Heads to the Polls: 'Battle of Babas' to Decide Successor to Late MP Mahama Naser Toure

More from politics

Global Governance in Flux: From Military Accountability to Groundbreaking Shifts in Political Representation

Keta MP Demands Urgent Flood Relief While National Leaders Drive Infrastructure, Agricultural, and Social Reforms

President Mahama Champions National Resilience and Welfare Reforms for Senior Citizens

Ghanaian Leaders and Legal Experts Propose Sweeping Institutional Reforms to Strengthen Democracy and Public Accountability