A typical example is the NPP’s victory in all seven by-elections conducted between 2000 and 2004, including the NDC’s Ibn Chambas’ Bimbilla seat, which brought Dominic Nitiwul to Parliament, and Wulensi.
Similarly, the NDC has captured key seats from the NPP in by-elections, including the NPP’s Adamu Sakande’s Bawku Central seat, which brought the current Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, to Parliament, and the Talensi by-election, which brought B.T. Baba to Parliament.
Of course, there are a few outliers such as Ablekuma Central, which, although the NPP narrowly won in 1996, it was able to retain in the 1999 by-election, and the controversial Assin North, which was retained by the NDC’s James Gyakye Quayson in 2023.
History of By-Elections in Ghana Since 1996
Between 1997 and 2000 (under NDC)
• NPP won one (Ablekuma Central, 1999)
• NDC won one (Lambussie, 1999)
Between 2000 and 2004 (under NPP)
• NPP won all seven (Kumawu, 2002; Bimbilla, 2002; Wulensi, 2003; Navrongo Central, 2003; Gomoa East, 2003; Amenfi West, 2003; and Upper Denkyira, 2004)
Between 2004 and 2008 (under NPP)
• NDC won three; NPP won three
• NDC: Asawase, 2005; Odododiodio, 2005; and Tamale Central, 2006
• NPP: Offinso South, 2006; Fomena, 2007; and Nkoranza North, 2007
Between 2008 and 2012 (under NDC)
• NPP won two (including the Akwatia six polling stations re-run); NDC won three
• NPP: Atiwa, 2010; Akwatia, 2009
• NDC: Chereponi, 2009; Jirapa, 2009
Between 2012 and 2016 (under NDC)
• NPP won two; NDC won four; CPP won one
• NPP: Abuakwa North, 2016; Abetifi, 2016
• NDC: Akatsi South, 2013; Buem, 2013; Talensi, 2015; Amenfi West, 2015
• CPP: Kumbungu, 2013
Between 2017 and 2020 (under NPP)
• One won by NPP: Ayawaso West Wuogon
Between 2020 and 2024 (under NPP)
• NPP won two; NDC won one
• NPP: Ejisu, 2024; Kumawu, 2023
• NDC: Assin North, 2023
2025 to date
• One won by NDC: Akwatia, 2025
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