The Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) has announced plans to take legal action against the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana over what it describes as an unconstitutional and unjustified cancellation of all District Assembly and Unit Committee by-elections nationwide.
In a public notice dated November 3, 2025, and signed by Mr. Fred Tetteh, Deputy Director in charge of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, the EC announced the suspension of all scheduled District Assembly and Unit Committee by-elections across the country. The notice stated that new dates would be communicated after the Commission completed its internal arrangements.
Notably, the EC provided no reasons for the sudden cancellation, a development that has triggered strong backlash from assembly members and aspiring candidates.
The affected by-elections, originally slated for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, were intended to fill vacancies arising from the death or resignation of Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members, in accordance with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended by Act 940.
Reacting to the decision, members of GAAM say they have been left with no option but to seek legal redress, particularly as many aspirants had already picked nomination forms, printed campaign materials, and commenced full-scale campaigning based on the EC’s official timetable.
Speaking to the media, Hon. Hayford Peprah, Presiding Member of the Sekyere South Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region, described the EC’s action as a clear breach of the law.
“The Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) provides specific timelines for holding by-elections when vacancies occur,” Hon. Peprah explained. “In cases of death, the law provides for elections within 60 days, and in some circumstances, even 30 days. In Sekyere South alone, we currently have two vacant electoral areas due to the death of Assembly Members.”
He disclosed that seven aspirants had already picked nomination forms to contest in the two affected areas and had invested substantial resources into their campaigns.
“These candidates spent money on filing fees, printing posters, and campaigning because the EC announced official dates. To cancel the elections without explanation is unfair, unjust, and unacceptable,” he stressed.
Hon. Peprah further pointed out that the legally mandated timelines for holding the by-elections had long elapsed, deepening concerns about constitutional violations.
“The 60-day period provided by law has passed long ago, yet no elections have been held. This situation runs contrary to the Constitution of Ghana, and we will take action against the EC,” he stated.
He added that the Sekyere South Municipal Assembly is currently operating with 47 elected members instead of the required 49, leaving two electoral areas without representation.
“These communities are being disadvantaged. Very soon, key decisions will be taken, including the election of a Presiding Member. These areas have no voice in the process, and that is a denial of their democratic rights,” he warned.
GAAM is expected to formally file its suit in the coming days as pressure continues to mount on the Electoral Commission to account for its decision and adhere strictly to the provisions of the law.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku