The Electoral Commission of Ghana has officially announced Tuesday, September 2, 2025, as the date for a parliamentary by-election in the Akwatia Constituency, following the sudden demise of the sitting Member of Parliament, Hon. Ernest Kumi.
In a statement released and signed by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Commission confirmed that the unfortunate passing of Hon. Kumi has rendered the Akwatia seat in Parliament vacant, necessitating the by-election in line with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution.
The by-election is scheduled to take place within the Denkyembour District of the Eastern Region, with nomination processes opening from Monday, August 11, to Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Interested candidates are required to submit their completed nomination forms between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and again from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on each of the three days.
Prospective candidates must first download the official nomination forms from the Commission’s website (www.ec.gov.gh) starting July 30, 2025. Each form must be endorsed by two registered voters as proposer and seconder, and supported by 18 additional registered voters from the Akwatia Constituency as assenting witnesses. Candidates must also include their consent signature and submit two recent passport-size photographs with a red background showing full face and ears.
In a push to encourage broader representation, the Electoral Commission has pegged the filing fee at GHC10,000 per candidate, while offering a reduced fee of GHC7,500 for female candidates and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“All completed Nomination Forms must be submitted in quadruplicate to the Returning Officer at the Denkyembour District Office,” the statement emphasized.
The Commission has urged political parties, aspirants, and the general public to take note of the timelines and comply with all procedural requirements to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process.
The by-election is expected to draw significant political attention, as Akwatia has historically been a key swing constituency. The late Hon.
Ernest Kumi was elected in 2020 and served until his untimely passing earlier this year.
More details are expected to follow as political parties prepare to select their candidates in the coming weeks.
