Preparations for the Akwatia Constituency By-Election have officially begun, with the Electoral Commission (EC) announcing the opening of nominations for candidates ahead of the September 2 polls.
The election follows the passing of the sitting Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi, on July 7, creating a vacancy in one of the Eastern Region’s most politically competitive seats.
In a statement issued by Mrs Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the EC, the Commission indicated that nomination forms will be accepted from August 11 to August 13, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Denkyembour District Office.
The EC has pegged the filing fee at GHS10,000, with a 25% concession for female candidates and persons with disabilities, who will pay GHS7,500.
In a push for transparency and accessibility, the EC is providing digital access to nomination forms, which can be downloaded from its official website (www.ec.gov.gh) from July 30 to August 13.
To successfully file, a prospective candidate must submit:
- A completed nomination form endorsed by a proposer and a seconder who are registered voters in the constituency,
- Support from 18 additional registered voters as assenting signatories,
- The candidate’s own written consent,
- Two recent passport-sized photos with a red background, and
- Four copies of the completed nomination forms.
Candidates may personally deliver the forms or do so through their proposer or seconder, as stipulated by the EC guidelines.
The Akwatia by-election, conducted in line with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, comes at a crucial time for both major political parties, as they aim to sustain or shift parliamentary strength ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The seat, historically a swing constituency, is expected to attract significant attention as political parties begin positioning themselves with campaign strategies and candidate selections in the coming days.
