The Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) has announced its intention to initiate legal action against the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana following the abrupt cancellation of all District Assembly and Unit Committee by-elections nationwide, a move the Association describes as unconstitutional, unjustified, and financially harmful to aspiring 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 scheduled District Assembly and Unit Committee by-elections across the country. The notice indicated that fresh dates would be announced upon the completion of the Commission’s “internal arrangements.”
However, the EC failed to provide any explanation for the suspension, merely assuring the public that further information would be communicated in due course.
The by-elections, which were 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 EC’s decision, members of GAAM say they have been left with no option but to seek legal redress, particularly as several aspirants had already picked nomination forms, printed campaign materials, and commenced vigorous campaigns based on the official timetable issued by the Commission.
Speaking to the media, Hon. Hayford Peprah, Presiding Member of the Sekyere South Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region, expressed grave concern over the development, describing the EC’s action as a blatant violation of the law.
“The Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) clearly makes provision for by-elections to be conducted within stipulated timeframes when vacancies occur,” Hon. Peprah stated. “In cases of death, the law prescribes a period of 60 days, and in some general circumstances, even 30 days. In Sekyere South alone, we currently have two vacant electoral areas because the Assembly Members have passed on.”
He disclosed that no fewer than seven aspirants had already picked nomination forms to contest in the two affected electoral areas and had invested significant resources into their campaigns.
“These candidates have spent money on filing fees, printing posters, and active campaigning because the EC officially announced the election dates.
Now, without any explanation whatsoever, the elections have been cancelled. This is unfair, unjust, and unacceptable,” he stressed.
Hon. Peprah further noted that the constitutional timelines for holding the by-elections had long elapsed, making the situation even more disturbing.
“The 60-day period provided for by-elections has passed a long time ago, yet no elections have been held.
This clearly goes against the Constitution of Ghana and the governing laws. For this reason, we will take action against the Electoral Commission,” he added.
The Sekyere South Municipal Assembly currently operates with 47 elected members instead of the required 49, a shortfall Hon. Peprah says continues to disadvantage the affected electoral areas and deny residents their right to representation.
He warned that the situation has become more critical as the Assembly prepares for the election of a Presiding Member.
“These two electoral areas remain unrepresented, yet crucial decisions are about to be taken, including the election of a Presiding Member.
Their absence denies them a voice in matters that directly affect them, and this cannot be allowed to persist,” he concluded.
GAAM is expected to formally commence legal proceedings in the coming days as pressure mounts on the Electoral Commission to account for its actions and comply strictly with the provisions of the Constitution and the Local Governance Act.
