The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, as the date for a by-election in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region following the death of the Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.
The Commission explained that the seat has officially become vacant in line with Article 112(5) of the Constitution, which mandates a by-election when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 30, the EC said it will open nominations for individuals interested in contesting the by-election. “The Commission will receive nominations from prospective candidates for the election of a Member of Parliament for the said constituency,” the statement read.
Nomination Period and Requirements
Nomination forms can be downloaded from the EC’s official website (www.ec.gov.gh) starting, 30th July 2025 through to 13th August 2025.
Submission of nomination forms will take place at the Denkyembour District Office from 11th to 13th August 2025, between 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.
Candidates are required to submit their forms in person or through their proposer or seconder. The forms must be endorsed by two registered voters – a proposer and a seconder – and supported by 18 other registered voters in the constituency.
In addition to the forms, candidates must submit two passport-sized photographs showing their full face and ears, taken against a red background.
Filing Fees
The filing fee for each candidate is set at GH¢10,000. However, female candidates and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will pay a reduced fee of GH¢7,500.
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially opened nominations for its highly anticipated presidential primaries, setting the stage for what is expected to be a competitive race to select the party’s candidate for the 2028 general elections.
Aspiring flagbearers could face some financial hurdles, with nomination forms pegged at GH₵100,000 and the final filing fee set at GH₵500,000.
Justin Frimpong Kodua,NPP General Secretary
The announcement was made by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, at a press briefing in Accra today, July 29, signalling the formal commencement of the internal contest.
“I’m happy to announce to you that we have officially opened nominations for our party members to become presidential candidates of our party for the 2028 elections,” the General Secretary declared, setting the timeline for the crucial exercise.
NPP Flagbearer hopefuls
According to the announced guidelines, the NPP presidential primaries are slated to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The nomination period commences today, July 29, 2025, and will close exactly one month later, on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
The combined cost of GH₵600,000 for nomination and filing represents a substantial investment for any aspirant.
This financial barrier is a common feature in Ghana’s major political parties’ internal elections, often generating debate about inclusivity and the role of money in politics.
While parties argue these fees contribute to the organisational costs of primaries, critics contend they limit participation to only the wealthiest or those with significant financial backing, potentially alienating grassroots candidates.
The NPP’s decision to open nominations nearly two and a half years before the 2028 general elections highlights the party’s intent to provide ample time for its flagbearer to prepare and unite the party ranks after a potentially bruising primary contest. It also reflects a strategic move to focus early on internal cohesion and external campaigning.Source: David Apinga
The Ashanti Regional Organizer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP),who doubles as the dean of all Regional Organisers,Dr Francis Adomako,has admonished the members of TESCON to be bold, vocal and strategic in championing the vision the Party
The hard working NPP Organizer,who received a rousing welcome at KNUST-TESCON meeting last Saturday, highlighted the significance of TESCON in shaping future leaders of the NPP and expressed his admiration for the organizational strength of the KNUST chapter.
Some scenes from the event
Dr Adomako, who’s affectionately called Francois, therefore,pledged his continuous support for TESCON institutions across the region and encouraged students to be bold, vocal, and strategic in championing the vision of the New Patriotic Party.
It would be recalled that,over the weekend, the Ashanti Regional Organizer, Dr. Francis Adomako (Francois), honored an invitation to the TESCON branch of Agona College of Education (SDACOE), where he engaged with the student leaders and members on the future of the party and the critical role of TESCON in mobilizing the youth. He delivered a powerful message centered on discipline, political education, and commitment to party values, encouraging members to remain focused and active in promoting the NPP’s agenda.
After SDACOE, Dr. Francois proceeded to St. Louis College of Education, where he interacted with the female-led TESCON chapter, applauding their zeal and urging them to combine academic excellence with active political participation. He commended their efforts in keeping the flame of the party alive on campus.
All 47 Assembly Members ‘present and voting’ at a Special General Assembly Meeting held on Thursday July 24, 2025 at Asante Mampong, voted ‘Yes’ to confirm President John Mahama ‘s Nominee for the Mampong Municipal Chief Executive position.
He is Yakubu Yussif, a 34-year old Marketer and the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Mampong in the December ’24 elections.
Some beautiful scenes from the ceremony
Mampong thus becomes the last of the 261 Assemblies in Ghana to have a Chief Executive.
About a week before the public naming of the President’s Nominee, the Assembly Members, in a rare show of concern, held a press conference to express reservation about the delay in the nomination by the President describing the situation as a drawback of the development of Mampong.
It therefore came as no surprise that they unanimously voted to confirm the Nominee.
The Assembly, upon a full complement, is constitutes by 50 members, including the Member of Parliament, Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong, as an ex officio member without a voting right while, until the confirmation and subsequent swearing-in, the slot for the MCE was vacant reducing the number eligible to participate in the confirmation election to 48.
However, one Member, a Government Appointee, who is a representative of the Mampong Hemaa was absent with permission.
The MCE Nominee is also a former Assembly for Kofiase Ahenbronum.
The election was supervised by the Electoral Commission with a team made up of both Deputy Regional Directors and the Mampong Municipal Elections Officer, Kwabena Karikari.
In his acceptance speech, Yakubu Yussif, thanked President Mahama and the Assembly Members of the Mampong Municipal Assembly for trusting in his competences and capability to perform for the development of the Municipality.
He mentioned sanitation, education, health and infrastructure as his priority areas for delivery.
He gave an assurance of working collaboratively with the Assembly Members to advance the socio-economic development of Mampong.
The new MCE called for calm and cooperation of the Mampong traditional leadership and the people to ensure nothing draws back the progress of the Municipality, pledging to recognize and respect for all.
A Government Appointee, Nana Akwasidai Kodua, who represents the Mampong traditional council, pledged the support of the traditional authority for the new MCE but said, his performance would be closely monitored to ensure that, he does not take the people for granted.
Nana Kodua advised the chiefs of Mampong, in particular to rally around the MCE, devoid of tribal sentiments, to give peace and development a chance.
He commended the Assembly Members for prioritizing Mampong ‘s development in their consideration of the Nominee, instead of allowing unproductive utterances to influence their decision.
A Presidential Staffer, Isham Alhassan, who represented the Ashanti Regional Minister, expressed the confidence of President Mahama in the ability of the Nominee to live up to expectation.
He thanked also the Assembly Members for also overwhelmingly voting to endorse the Nomination of President Mahama.
I’m a show of solidarity, the confirmation was witnessed by the DCEs for Bosomtwe, Ejura-Sekyedumase, Sekyere Central and Sekyere South as well as a former MCE for Mampong, Abuasu.
The Elections Dispute Adjudication Committee (EDAC) of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has ordered a re-run of the Ashanti Regional Chairperson elections following serious procedural irregularities that, according to the committee, compromised the integrity and fairness of the June 30, 2025, polls.
In a statement issued today, the EDAC revealed that, after a careful review of the petition filed by a contestant and testimonies from all interested parties, it had found sufficient grounds to annul the previous results and call for a fresh vote.
The decision, the committee emphasised, aims to restore confidence in the association’s electoral process and uphold the democratic standards outlined in the GJA constitution.
The committee cited “critical irregularities” both before and during the election.
Chief among these was failure to adhere to GJA constitutional provisions and the generation of a supplementary voter list on the day of the polls, some entries of which were later challenged for lack of eligibility.
In another breach, a voter registered in the Greater Accra Region was allowed to cast her ballot in the Ashanti Region, an act deemed procedurally improper.
“The margin of victory in the disputed election was just one vote,” the Committee noted, adding that “it is a reasonable proposition that these irregularities could have significantly impacted the outcome.”
Directives for the Re-run
To prevent a recurrence of such infractions, the EDAC has issued clear directives for the conduct of the re-run elections:
The election must be held within fourteen working days from the date of this announcement.
The GJA Elections Committee is to publish a comprehensive and verified list of eligible voters in the national dailies and provide copies to all contestants at least three clear working days before the polls.
No supplementary voter list is to be generated under any circumstances.
The EDAC has encouraged all GJA members, particularly in the Ashanti Region, to take “keen interest” in the re-run and to help ensure that the process is conducted with “the utmost integrity”.Source: Myjoyonline.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
The Electoral Committee of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is pleased to announce the official closure of nominations for the 2025 National Executive Elections scheduled to take place on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 8:00am to 3:00pm at the PRINPAG Secretariat.
At the close of nominations at 5:00pm on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, a total of eleven (11) members had successfully picked up nomination forms to contest for five (5) key executive positions. The list of aspirants for the respective positions is as follows:
LIST OF ASPIRANTS
President
1. Awudu Mahama
2. David Tamakloe
Vice President
1. Michael Antwi-Agyei
2. Roger A. Agana
Organizing Secretary
1. William Sarpong
2. Prince Kawuunda
3. Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri
Public Affairs & External Relations Officer
1. Emmanuel Opare Djan
Financial Secretary/Treasurer
1. Naana Aklerh Kubi I
2. Kofi Ahovi
3. Adnan Adams Mohammed
In accordance with the Committee’s earlier press release, vetting of all candidates will be conducted on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10:00am sharp at the PRINPAG Secretariat. Aspirants are reminded to report promptly and are required to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and all relevant supporting documents, if not already submitted.
In the interest of fairness and transparency, members who have legitimate concerns or objections to any of the listed nominees are encouraged to submit a formal petition with supporting evidence to the Election Committee on or before 9:00am on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Following the vetting process, the Committee will announce the outcome and conduct the official *balloting for positions.
The Electoral Committee extends its best wishes to all candidates and expresses its commitment to a free, fair, and transparent electoral process that strengthens the democratic culture of PRINPAG.
Issued by:
PRINPAG Electoral Committee
MEMBERS OF THE PRINPAG ELECTION COMMITTEE
Lawyer Ken Kuranchie – Chairman – 0244206890
Desmond Darko – Vice Chair – 0277445161
Nimatu Yakubu Atuoyese – Secretary – 0245998282
A growing groundswell of support among New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates in the Ashanti Region is propelling Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) into pole position to take over from current Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
From defeat to dominance?
COKA’s rise comes just two years after he was defeated by Chairman Wontumi in the hotly contested 2022 Ashanti Regional Chairmanship race.
Despite the loss, the former constituency chairman and regional financial secretary maintained a strong presence in the region’s political circles, often calling for party unity and post-election reconciliation.
Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah aka COKA
Now, many believe the tide has turned
“COKA has shown he is not bitter about the past. He has continued to engage the grassroots and our elders, and he has supported the party even outside leadership,” a delegate from Mampong said.
“He is not just experienced; he is a man of peace. That is what the party needs now.”
Experience and business acumen
With over two decades of service to the NPP in the region—first as a constituency chairman and then as a regional executive—COKA brings deep institutional knowledge to the table. Delegates point to his dual identity as a seasoned political operative and successful businessman.
As Director of Longford Royal Group Limited, COKA’s private-sector background is seen as an asset in a region that remains the NPP’s political stronghold and economic heartbeat.
“COKA combines the wisdom of an old hand and the fresh energy of a businessman,” one delegate noted.
“He knows the terrain, and he knows how to get results.”
A call for unity
COKA has frequently spoken about the need to unite the party after the 2024 general elections, in which the NPP suffered setbacks in some strongholds, despite narrowly retaining power.
His message of reconciliation has resonated with delegates, many of whom blame internal divisions for the party’s shrinking vote margins in the region.
“He has always emphasised unity and forgiveness among party members,” another delegate said.
“We believe he is the right man to bring all factions together and rebuild for victory in 2028.”
COKA is also said to be enjoying the backing of several notable party leaders in the Ashanti Region who view his leadership as key to repairing strained relationships between the regional office and local party structures.
Momentum builds ahead of regional polls
While the formal timeline for regional elections has not yet been announced, COKA’s name is already dominating discussions in constituency meetings and WhatsApp platforms across the region.
Many insiders believe Chairman Wontumi’s influence has waned following criticisms over his leadership style, alleged sidelining of party elders, and the declining enthusiasm among grassroots supporters.
Wontumi, who famously won the 2022 contest against COKA in a polarising race, has not publicly declared his intention to seek re-election.
However, party operatives believe any attempt at a comeback would face stiff resistance, given the current mood.
“People feel it’s time for a new direction,” said a constituency youth organiser. “And that new direction is COKA.”
As the NPP begins to reposition itself for the 2028 general elections, many believe the Ashanti Region must lead the charge with a reinvigorated and respected team.
For many delegates, COKA symbolises both continuity and renewal—an experienced hand who can also bridge generational divides and mend broken relationships.
For now, the wind seems to be blowing in COKA’s favour. Whether he runs unopposed or faces competition, his name is likely to define the next Ashanti Regional chairmanship race. And, if his support base continues to grow, Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah could soon become a central figure in the NPP’s path to power in 2028.
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the various research committees, including all who participated in the just-ended national delegates conference, have been commended for adopting the “PWD COORDINATOR position” within NPP’s structure.
Mr. Ntim Twumasi Kwaku, the former NPP 2nd Vice-Chairman for the Ejisu Constituency in the Ashanti Region, said the party’s decision had set a good pace for other political parties and public organisations to emulate.
Mr. Ntim Twumasi Kwaku, who is popularly known as NTK in the political space, made the commendation in a statement copied to “The New Trust” newspaper dated Wednesday, 23rd July 2025.
Mr.Ntim Twumasi Kwaku aka NTK
NTK, who is a member of the NPP communications team in the Ashanti Region and TESCON patron for several institutions, said, “The NPP has truly set the pace and is worthy of emulation by all other political parties, as well as public and corporate organisations. As the front runners in Ghana’s political space in innovative social intervention policies, the NPP has continually shown the desire to help PWDs live a dignified and respectable life.”
The Constitutional Review Committee leading the conference for the adoption of the various motions
He, however, entreated the leadership of the NPP to ensure that resources are made available for their PWD coordinators for effective and efficient delivery.
He added that the elephant would continue to be a winning symbol and would do everything within their power to help save Ghana.
The full statement is reproduced below:
PWD coordinator:
NPP sets the pace
I want to strongly commend the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the various research committees, including all who participated in our just-ended national delegates conference for adopting the “PWD COORDINATOR position” within our party’s structure.
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are not only marginalised in the area of employment but also in every sector of our society. As a PWD, I must confess that this comes as a great sign of acceptance of the saying “disability is not inability” by the NPP. This also buttresses the call by PWDs for inclusiveness in every aspect of our development as a nation.
The NPP has truly set the pace and is worthy of emulation by all other political parties as well as public and corporate organisations. As the front runners in Ghana’s political space in innovative social intervention policies, the NPP has continually shown the desire to help PWDs live a dignified and respectable life.
The position of the PWD COORDINATOR directly gives access to PWDs to be a part of every decision made in the party from the constituency to the top echelons.
I will entreat the leadership of the NPP to ensure that resources are made available for our PWD coordinators for effective and efficient delivery.
The elephant will continue to be a winning symbol and will do everything within our power to help save Ghana. Kuukrudu…eeeshi 🐘🐘🐘🐘
Ntim Twumasi Kwaku ..NTK
✍🏽
Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against reducing its presidential primaries to a contest of popularity or eligibility alone.
In an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, July 21, the party stalwart stressed that the stakes for the NPP and Ghana are too high for that kind of superficial approach.
“People are coming out there because they satisfy the qualification and eligibility criteria as set out in the party’s constitution or even the national constitution,” he acknowledged.
Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu
The context of his remarks followed a comment by host Evans Mensah suggesting that the party’s limited expansion of its electoral college may have opened the door to heavy monetisation of the primaries.
The host noted that the new system, while larger than before, still leaves room for well-funded aspirants to target delegates and influence outcomes.
“But you see, whoever should be the president of this country, we are not looking at just the qualification, eligibility criteria for whoever should be our president.”
His critique, directed at the party’s internal processes and the character of the emerging contest, signalled a deeper concern: the growing focus on who can contest rather than who should lead.
“We are not just looking for a flagbearer,” the former Suame MP declared. “We are looking for a president or a presidential candidate.”
Referencing a pivotal moment in the NPP’s political history, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu recalled the warning of party elder Kwame Pianim in 2007, when 17 aspirants vied to succeed President J.A. Kufuor.
“Pianim stepped in and made a profound statement that ‘NPP, you’re not looking for a flagbearer. People seem to think that we are looking for a flagbearer. As for the flagbearership, any idiot could become the flagbearer.’ But we are looking beyond the flagbearer, because you are looking for a presidential candidate who ultimately will become the president of this country.”Source: Abubakar Ibrahim
Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has a massive support from the delegates of the New Patriotic Party.Over 70 percent of the delegates vouched for Dr Bawumia to lead the party as flagbearer once again, according to an independent poll conducted by the Communication Research and Perception Study Group, a non-affiliated research study group.
This research group seeks to “conduct unbiased, social scientific research into candidate preferences in democratic elections”.The group, in conducting the research, asked delegates questions bordering on their preferences for flagbearer, date for the party’s presidential primaries among others and their response particularly regarding their preference of the right candidate to lead them into the 2028 elections reflected the voice of majority of NPP members.
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia responding to cheers from NPP supporters
Flagbearer Preference
77.9% of the delegates at the NPP Delegates Conference held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday, July 19, 2025 said they preferred Bawumia while 20.2% of them chose the former Assin Central lawmaker and presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong.Former Education Minister Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum polled 1.3% while Bryan Acheampong got 0.6% endorsement.
The report said Bawumia’s lead “is clearly a vote of confidence demonstrating his popularity, appeal, visibility and penetration among primary delegates”.On the outcome for Kennedy Agyapong, the report said his low support, despite his “boisterous and vocal image, can mean that the grassroots base of delegates puts a premium on institutional continuity rather than populism”.
Early Congress for flagbearer
The survey also centered on whether or not the NPP should select its presidential candidate in January 2026.85.67% of the delegates answered “yes”, a declaration which, to the research group, showed “there is widespread desire for candidate selection to be carried out early”.“On an organizational behavior level, the result also suggests a desire for strategic leadership, forward planning and closing ranks within the party.”
About Communication Research and Perception Study Group
Communication Research and Perception Study Group is a group of researchers made up of students from a variety of universities across the nation.The goal of the group is to engage in practical research while providing timely and accurate information on elections, primaries and topical issues across the nation.
