The "jama" celebrations at the collation center reached a climax on Tuesday night, March 3, 2026, as the Electoral Commission (EC) officially declared Baba Jamal of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) the winner of the Ayawaso East by-election.
The victory marks a decade of unbroken NDC dominance in the constituency, which has remained a party stronghold since the inception of the Fourth Republic.
Victory Speech: "The Reset of Nima"
Following the declaration, Baba Jamal addressed the ecstatic crowd, pledging to honor the legacy of his predecessor, the late Mahama Naser Toure:
Commitment to Development: Jamal promised to "reset" the constituency by focusing on youth empowerment and infrastructure in Nima and Mamobi.
Peaceful Transition: He commended his opponents for a spirited race and called for unity, stating, "The election is over; now it is time to build Ayawaso East together".
Return to Parliament: The win marks a significant political comeback for Jamal, who previously served as MP for Akwatia and as Ghana's High Commissioner to Nigeria.
Observer Assessment: Turnout and Security
While the atmosphere was jubilant at the end, the day was characterized by several operational trends:
Low Turnout: Overall participation was noted as lower than expected, with analysts suggesting that Ramadan fasting and the election falling on a weekday kept some voters home.
Orderly Process: Accredited observers, including Koku Anyidoho, described the process as "well-organized," praising the EC's pilot of digital results transmission.
High Security: A heavy police presence remained at the St. Kizito collation center throughout the night to manage the large crowds of "jama" singers and ensure a peaceful declaration.
0 Comments