EC to Hold Nationwide By-Elections on November 11 for Vacant Local Seats

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced that it will organise nationwide by-elections across various Electoral Areas and Unit Committees on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to fill vacant positions created by the resignation or death of Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members.

The exercise is being conducted in accordance with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended by Act 940, which mandates the Commission to ensure timely replacement of local representatives to sustain the work of the District Assemblies and Unit Committees.

In a detailed press release signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa, the EC disclosed that the nomination process for the by-elections will officially open on Monday, October 6, 2025, and close on Thursday, October 16, 2025. This will allow sufficient time for interested candidates to pick, complete, and submit their forms at the respective District Offices of the Commission.

Nomination forms will be made available free of charge at all District EC Offices nationwide. They can also be downloaded directly from the EC’s official website at www.ec.gov.gh/forms.

Nomination and Submission Guidelines

According to the Commission, the nomination period will run from Monday, October 13 to Thursday, October 16, 2025, during which time candidates will be required to submit completed forms between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

Each candidate must present:

• Completed nomination forms in quadruplicate.

• Two recent passport-sized photographs with a red background.

• The required endorsements by registered voters from the Electoral Area or Unit Committee they wish to represent.

For Electoral Area elections, the forms must be endorsed by a Proposer, a Seconder, and eighteen (18) registered voters resident in the area.

For Unit Committee elections, candidates must secure signatures from a Proposer, a Seconder, and eight (8) additional registered voters from the same area.

The Commission emphasised that all nominations must be submitted personally by the candidate or through their Proposer or Seconder to the Returning Officer assigned to the particular Electoral Area.

Regions and Districts Covered

The upcoming by-elections will take place in more than 1,500 polling stations across all sixteen regions of Ghana, covering both urban and rural communities. Some of the key areas include:

• Greater Accra Region: Ablekuma Central, Weija-Gbawe, La-Nkwantanang, and Adenta

• Ashanti Region: Adansi South, Obuasi Municipal, Bosomtwe, and Offinso North

• Central Region: Cape Coast, Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA), and Mfantseman

• Eastern Region: Asuogyaman, Yilo Krobo, Suhum, and New Juaben

• Western Region: Jomoro, Ellembelle, Nzema East, and Sekondi-Takoradi

• Volta Region: Keta, Ketu South, Ho, and Afadjato South

• Bono and Ahafo Regions: Sunyani Municipal, Dormaa Central, Tano North, and Asutifi South

The full list of Electoral Areas and Unit Committees where vacancies exist, along with the number of polling stations involved, has been published by the Commission and is available for public viewing at all district offices as well as online.

Commitment to Free and Fair Process

The Electoral Commission assured the public that all arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible electoral process. It reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of fairness, accountability, and integrity throughout the nomination and voting stages.

Mrs. Jean Mensa further encouraged all eligible citizens to actively participate in the by-elections, stressing that local governance remains a critical component of Ghana’s democracy. “The Electoral Commission is dedicated to strengthening the foundations of local governance through free, fair, and peaceful elections. We urge all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, traditional authorities, and voters, to cooperate fully for a successful exercise,” the statement read.

Next Steps and Contact Information

The Commission indicated that after the close of nominations, the full list of qualified candidates will be published ahead of the elections. It also reminded candidates and voters to contact the Returning Officers or visit the nearest District EC Office for further clarification regarding the nomination process or eligibility requirements.

Members of the public can also reach the EC through its website or official social media channels for continuous updates on the upcoming by-elections.

The November 11 by-elections mark another milestone in Ghana’s decentralisation process, ensuring that communities continue to enjoy full representation at the local level and that democratic governance remains vibrant and inclusive.