Former Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko, a candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) national chairperson, has attributed the low voter turnout in the Ayawaso East by-election to a familiar pattern in Ghanaian politics, where by-elections rarely generate widespread public interest.
The poll was triggered by the death of sitting MP Naser Toure Mahama on January 4, just weeks after securing a second term in the 2024 general elections. Mahama had represented the constituency for four consecutive terms.
Five candidates contested the by-election, including independent Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Sanda, a former National Democratic Congress (NDC) member, and NPP candidate Yussif Baba Ali.
Speaking to the media at a polling station on Tuesday, Agyarko explained that voter apathy is primarily driven by two factors:
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By-elections attract less attention compared to nationwide general elections.
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Perceived outcomes in strongholds discourage voters from turning out, as results are often seen as a foregone conclusion. “By and large, by-elections are not that patronised in this country. By-elections in strongholds are presumed as foregone conclusions. And that in itself depresses voter turnout,” Agyarko said.
The commentary highlights ongoing challenges in mobilizing electorate engagement during interim elections in Ghana, particularly in constituencies with entrenched party loyalties.
