The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced its readiness to conduct a by-election for the Ejisu Constituency in the Ashanti Region, following the unfortunate passing of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, John Kumah.
The late Dr. John Kumah, who also served as Deputy Finance Minister, had been battling an undisclosed illness and had sought treatment in Germany.
Despite his health struggles, Kumah returned to Ghana to play a crucial role in the passage of significant revenue measures included in the 2024 budget, amidst threats of rejection by the minority in Parliament.
The news of Kumah’s death has deeply affected the political landscape in Ghana, particularly among his colleagues in Parliament.
Deputy Finance Minister and MP for Atiwa East, Mrs. Abena Osei-Asare, was reported to have been weeping uncontrollably upon receiving the news of Kumah’s passing.
In an interview on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Director for Electoral Services at the EC, detailed the constitutional and procedural readiness of the Commission to conduct the by-election, including Ejisu Constituency.
“Article 112 of the Constitution mandates that the Clerk of Parliament inform the Electoral Commission within seven days after a vacancy occurs.
The Commission then has thirty days for ordinary vacancies or sixty days in case of death to conduct a by-election, unless the vacancy occurs less than three months to a General Election,” explained Quaicoe.
The EC’s preparedness underscores its commitment to ensuring the democratic process is uninterrupted, even in the face of unforeseen events such as the demise of a sitting MP.
Quaicoe further mentioned that the EC always includes provisions for by-elections in its budget to ensure swift action when vacancies arise.
As the Ejisu Constituency prepares for the upcoming by-election, the political and electoral stakeholders are expected to engage in processes that will not only fill the vacant parliamentary seat but also honor the legacy of the late John Kumah.
The date for the by-election for ejisu constituency will be announced once the EC receives official notification of the vacancy from the Clerk of Parliament.
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