Elections have undeniably become the most significant and popular means through which political officeholders are selected across the globe.
In Ghana, by-elections hold a special place in the political landscape, serving as critical means that can significantly change the nation’s political chemistry.
By-elections are held after a seat becomes vacant for various reasons.
Over the years, the death of legislators has triggered by-elections, but other reasons that make an incumbent legislator incapable of continuing in his or her role as an elected official necessitate by-elections.
By-elections have been on the lips of politicians in the last few months, as 2023 witnessed two critical by-elections.
The two leading political parties in Ghana made frantic efforts to win both but ended up sharing the seats one apiece.
As by-elections take centre stage, the political desk of The Ghana Report takes a closer look at some notable Members of Parliament (MPs) who entered the hallowed halls of Parliament through this means.
The names have been provided in no particular order.
Assin North By-Election (2023)
James Gyakye Quayson’s journey to Parliament bears similarities to the legendary tales of Ghanaian historical figures like Okomfo Anokye and Togbe Tsali.
While not performing miracles or causing plants to bear fruits, Quayson fought passionately for his people and what he believed in.
However, his political party affiliation landed him in a legal battle that threw him into the limelight.
Challenged by resident Michael Ankomah Nimfah, who filed a suit at the Cape Coast High Court, questioning Quayson’s qualification as an MP due to his dual citizenship, the calm and composed Quayson found himself defending his right to represent the Assin North constituency.
Despite his explanations that he had applied to renounce his Canadian citizenship and faced administrative delays, both the Supreme Court and Cape Coast High Court stripped him of his MP title and benefits.
A by-election was subsequently announced, but the National Democratic Congress (NDC) decided to field Quayson again, standing by him despite his legal troubles.
In a closely contested by-election on June 27, Quayson emerged victorious with 17,245 votes, representing 57.56% of valid votes.
His main rival, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), secured 12,630 votes or 42.15% of valid votes, securing the second position.
He is yet to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament.
Kumawu By-Election (2023)
Sometimes, political fortune favours individuals unexpectedly.
Ernest Yaw Anim’s entry into Parliament occurred under such circumstances.
With just over a year left before Ghana’s general elections, the sudden death of 54-year-old legislator Phillip Atta Basoah created a vacancy in Parliament.
A by-election was scheduled for May 23, and Anim emerged as the victor, receiving 194 votes in the internal race against his contenders.
The Kumawu by-election witnessed a landslide victory for Anim, who secured 15,264 votes, representing 70.9% of the total votes.
His closest rival from the NDC, Kwasi Amankwaa (Tom Cee), garnered 3,723 votes, equivalent to 17.2% of valid votes.
On June 6, 2023, Anim was officially sworn in as the Member of Parliament for the Kumawu constituency.
Ayawaso West Wuogon By-Election (2019)
The Ayawaso West Wuogon seat became vacant following the untimely demise of MP Emmanuel Kyeremanteng Agyarko in November 2018.
A delicate situation unfolded as his spouse, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, expressed her intention to contest the seat to continue her late husband’s work.
However, public sentiment initially perceived her active campaigning in mourning attire as unconventional. They called her the black widow.
Contention later arose when Josephine Naana Baiden Agyarko, the late MP’s first wife, also expressed her desire to contest the seat.
After several discussions, Lydia received the party’s endorsement and stood as the NPP candidate.
Lydia Seyram Alhassan secured victory in the by-election, garnering 12,041 votes, accounting for 68.80% of the total valid votes.
Her closest rival, Kwasi Delali Brempong of the opposition NDC, received 5,341 votes, representing 30.52% of valid votes.
In the subsequent December 2020 general elections, she successfully defended her seat against celebrated actor and NDC candidate John Dumelo, securing 9,851 votes.
Asawase By-Election (2005)
Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak entered Parliament in 2005 when he won the by-election in the Asawase constituency replacing the incumbent Dr Gibril Adamu who died shortly after winning the parliamentary seat for Asawase constituency on 15 February 2005.
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development deemed this by-election as “fair and transparent, but not free from fear”.
He subsequently retained his seat in the general election held in December 2008.
Muntaka also won the 2012 election and has been in Parliament since then.
Bimbila By-Election (2002)
For the Bimbila by-elections, the seat became vacant following the elevation of Mohammed Ibn Chambas as Executive Secretary of ECOWAS.
The elections introduced the current Defense Minister, Dominic Aduna Bingab Nitiwul, to the political scene.
Chereponi By-Election (2009)
In the Chereponi Constituency, a by-election was held on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, following the passing of MP Doris Seidu after a protracted illness.
Samuel Abdulai Jabanyete, the NDC candidate, emerged victorious, securing 8,239 votes, representing 51.25% of the total votes.
His closest rival, Abubakari Aminu Gariba of the NPP, garnered 7,416 votes.
Atiwa By-Election (2010)
The Atiwa by-election was the contest that triggered a popular quote from President Akufo-Addo in Akan.
He said, “Wo Atiwa, ye kyere omo adi kakraa bi”, to wit, “At Atiwa, we showed them (NDC) just something small”.
It was a litmus test for the base of the party going into the 2012 elections.
That was another keenly contested battle in our political history. Very similar to the showings witnessed in Chereponi. Many political observers believe the NPP used Atiwa to settle the scores with the NDC because of the events of Chereponi.
The sitting MP, Kwasi Ankama died.
That by-election was won by the current Minister of Roads and Highways and now MP for Atiwa West, Kwesi Amoako-Atta.
Three other candidates, namely Emmanuel Atta Twum of the NDC, George Padmore Apreku of the New Vision Party, and Kasum Abdul-Karim of the PNC, also contested in the 2010 by-election of Atiwa held on August 31, 2010.
Mr Atta won the election by obtaining 20,282 votes out of 27,540 votes cast, representing 75.0 percent of the total valid votes.
He was sworn into office on October 19, 2010, by Joyce Bamford-Addo.
The sector minister went on to win the two subsequent Atiwa constituency elections in 2012 and 2016, respectively.
He is still the MP for Atiwa West.
Ablekuma Central By-Election (1999)
The Ablekuma Central by-election was occasioned after the death of Clement Samuel Crabbe.
Victor Okuley Nortey won the by-election for the NPP.
Odododiodio By-Election (2005)
In the Odododiodio by-election held on August 30, 2005, Jonathan Nii Tackie Komey of the NDC won to replace Samuel Nii Ayi Mankattah, also of the NDC, who had died earlier.
Talensi By-Election (2015)
The Talensi Constituency seat became vacant following the resignation of the former NPP MP, Mr Robert Naachinaab Musuore, after he was enskinned Chief of the Tongo Traditional Area.
Benson Tongo (BT) Baba won the Talensi by-election for the NDC.