Election Watch Ghana has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to postpone the Akwatia by-election, currently scheduled for September 2, citing the recent death of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a compelling reason for the change.
In a statement signed by convenors Mark Ewusi Arkoh and Jude Balma, the group referenced constitutional and legal provisions empowering the EC to adjust electoral timelines when necessary.
“Pursuant to Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution, the EC is mandated to exercise its discretionary powers in a fair and just manner. Given the circumstances, a postponement would be in line with this constitutional provision, ensuring that the electoral process is conducted without undue prejudice to any party.
“Furthermore, Section 13 of the Elections Act, 2002 (Act 651) empowers the EC to make regulations and take necessary steps for the conduct of elections. This includes adjusting electoral timelines when circumstances necessitate such actions.”
The group noted that the EC itself had publicly acknowledged Dr. Omane Boamah’s significant contribution to Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings.
They argued that postponing the poll would honour his legacy and safeguard fairness in the electoral process.
“The demise of Dr. Omane Boamah, a key member of the NDC’s electoral team and an active contributor to IPAC, as acknowledged by the EC Chairperson in her statement on August 8, 2025, constitutes such a circumstance.
“In the interest of fairness and equal opportunities, we believe that a brief postponement would enable the NDC to adequately prepare for the by-election, thereby ensuring a level playing field for all parties involved,” the statement read.
Election Watch Ghana also urged the EC to convene an emergency IPAC meeting to deliberate on the matter.
“We humbly request an emergency meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to discuss this matter further and explore options for a postponement. By granting this request, the EC would uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality that are essential to the growth and development of our democracy,” the statement concluded.
Read the full statement below:
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