Election Watch Ghana Urges Postponement of By-Elections After National Tragedy

Election Watch Ghana has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to consider delaying upcoming by-elections following last week’s military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of senior officials, including Tamale Central MP Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

Convener Mark Ewusi Arkoh urged an emergency all-party meeting to discuss the move, citing constitutional provisions for flexibility during exceptional circumstances.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show, Arkoh referenced Article 296 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which empowers the EC to exercise discretion fairly. “Section 13 of the Elections Act also allows adjusting timelines when necessary,” he emphasized. The crash, which killed eight personnel in Adansi Akrofuom, has plunged the nation into mourning and disrupted political operations.

Arkoh framed the request as vital for upholding electoral integrity. “Our democracy evolves like a living organism,” he argued. “A brief postponement would reinforce fairness and equal opportunity.” He noted the EC itself recently praised the late Dr. Mohammed for his collaborative work on the Inter-Party Advisory Committee.

When challenged about setting problematic precedents, Arkoh countered that the EC already holds legal authority to respond to crises. “Should a disease outbreak or other unforeseen events occur before polls, acting responsibly isn’t setting a bad precedent—it’s exercising mandated discretion,” he stated. The appeal underscores the delicate balance between democratic processes and national healing.