The Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) is set to drag the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to court over the sudden cancellation of all upcoming District Assembly and Unit Committee by-elections, a decision the Association describes as unconstitutional, unfair and financially damaging to candidates.
In a public notice dated November 3, 2025, and signed by Mr Fred Tetteh, Deputy Director in charge of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, the Electoral Commission announced the suspension of all District Assembly and Unit Committee by-elections across the country.
According to the notice, new dates will be announced once the Commission completes its internal arrangements.
However, the EC failed to provide any reasons for the cancellation, merely assuring the public that further information would be communicated in due course.
The by-elections were originally scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, and were meant to fill vacancies created by the death or resignation of Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members, in line with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended by Act 940.
Reacting to the EC’s decision,some members of GAAM say are left with no option than to seek legal redress, especially as several aspiring candidates had already picked nomination forms, printed posters, and commenced active campaigns based on the official timetable issued by the Commission.
Speaking to the media, Hon. Hayford Peprah, the Presiding Member of the Sekyere South Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region, expressed deep concern over the development and described the EC’s action as a clear breach of the law.
“Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) makes provision for by-elections to be held within stipulated periods when a vacancy occurs,” Hon. Peprah stated. “In cases of death, the law cites 60 days, and other sources even indicate 30 days in general circumstances. In Sekyere South alone, we currently have two vacant electoral areas because the Assembly Members have passed on.”
He revealed that seven people had already picked forms to contest in the two affected electoral areas and had spent significant sums of money on campaigns.
“These candidates have spent money on filing, printing posters and campaigning because the EC gave official dates. Now, without any explanation, the elections are cancelled. This is unfair and unacceptable,” he stressed.
Hon. Peprah further noted that the constitutional timeline for holding the by-elections had long elapsed, making the situation even more troubling.
“The 60 days provided for by-elections has passed a long time ago, yet no elections have been held. This clearly goes contrary to the Constitution of Ghana, and we will take action against the EC,” he added.
The Sekyere South Municipal Assembly currently has 47 elected members instead of the required 49, a situation Hon. Peprah says disadvantages the affected electoral areas. He warned that the issue is even more critical as the Assembly prepares for upcoming Presiding Member elections.
“These two electoral areas do not have representation, yet decisions will soon be taken, including the election of a Presiding Member. They must have a say, and the delay is denying them that right,” he concluded.
GAAM is expected to formally initiate legal proceedings in the coming days as pressure mounts on the Electoral Commission to explain its actions and respect the provisions of the law.
