We’ll rebrand Ayawaso East – Baba Jamal pledges

Member of Parliament (MP)-elect for Ayawaso East, Baba Jamal has pledged to “rewrite the history” of the area after winning Monday’s parliamentary by-election and retaining the seat for the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) maintained its hold on the constituency after Mr Jamal secured 10,884 votes in the March 3 poll. His closest contender, the New Patriotic Party’s Baba Ali Yusif, polled 4,009 votes, while independent candidate Mohammed Umar Sanda obtained 1,885 votes. David Kanor, also an independent candidate, had 104 votes, and Ibrahim Iddrisu of the Liberal Party of Ghana received 43 votes.

The by-election was organised to fill a vacancy in the 9th Parliament following the death of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Nasser Toure Mahama, in January. Out of an estimated 50,000 registered voters, 16,928 cast their ballots.

Addressing the media after he was declared winner, Mr Jamal set the tone for what he described as a new chapter for the constituency.

“We are going to rewrite the history of Ayawaso East,” he said. “In the market, on the streets, in the ghettos, in the bases, there is going to be a new East Ayawaso and that is why I’m here to pursue that mission.”

He added that his focus would be on transforming the area, particularly Nima, through peace and structured development.

“My mission is to ensure that Ayawaso East, especially Nima, enters a new phase of peace, development and professionalism,” Mr Jamal stated. “Insha Allah, we shall achieve that.”

The MP-elect also expressed appreciation to party faithful and residents who supported him throughout the campaign period.

“I thank God and all those who sympathised with me in these difficult times, especially the party grassroots,” he noted.

Security presence was heightened across polling centres, with personnel of the Ghana Police Service deployed throughout the constituency. The exercise proceeded without major incidents, according to observers.

With his victory confirmed, Mr Jamal is expected to be sworn in at the next sitting of Parliament by the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, to take his seat in the 9th Parliament.