By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Anyako (VR), Nov. 13, GNA – Some eligible voters at Anyako Electoral Area, Keta Municipality in the Volta Region are expressing frustration over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) delay in conducting a by-election to fill the vacant Assembly member seat.
The seat became vacant in March 2025 when Mr Wisdom Seade, the then Assembly member for the area, was elevated to the position of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Keta.
The EC had initially announced on Monday, October 6, that the by-election would be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, but was yet to conduct the exercise, something which remained unclear to the residents.
The delay in the election had sparked concern among residents, eager to exercise their franchise to choose a new representative to spearhead the progress and development of projects in the area.
Mr Gilbert Korbla Keklie, a concerned citizen, had earlier petitioned the EC to conduct a by-election in the area and other areas with vacancies, citing breaches of Section 10(5) and (7) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
He urged the EC to conduct the by-election as soon as possible to ensure proper representation for the Anyako Electoral Area in its development.
The residents remained worried that the prolonged delay might have a negative impact on their development issues and deny the area its share of the national cake.
Mr Selasi Yorm, a resident of Anyako stated that the EC in Keta, had failed to display notice of polls after opening the nomination, saying the electorates were not happy about the EC’s inability to provide prior notice regarding the suspension of the by-election.
He said the EC previously assured the public that all necessary arrangements were in place for the by-election, including security and safety measures, thus leaving many residents wondering about the possible causes of the delay.
He said the by-election was crucial for the Anyako Electoral Area to provide opportunity for residents to choose from among the five eligible individuals who filed to contest the vacant post, to work with traditional and community leaders to drive the needed development.
The EC’s decision to conduct the by-election would demonstrate its commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring representation for all citizens while further delay could intimate and prevent eligible voters from exercising their franchise to choose an assembly member for the area.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) gathered that the EC had received the petition and reminder notices but was yet to conduct the exercise, raising questions about its commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring representation for all citizens.
Mr Philip Adzomadi, the EC officer at Keta, told GNA that the Commission was waiting to get clearer and appropriate information from the headquarters to conduct the by-election and urged the residents to remain calm.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo