Alban Bagbin is the Speaker of Parliament
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has voiced his disappointment that none of the political parties contesting the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election has presented a female candidate.
Speaking at a Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) on Wednesday, February 18,2026, Bagbin underscored the critical role political parties play in shaping representation in Ghana’s democracy.
“Political parties are the gateways to representation. Parliament is the arena where representation becomes decision-making. Therefore, inclusion must begin in parties and mature in Parliament,” he said.
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Bagbin revealed that he had been hopeful that at least one political party would seize the opportunity presented by the March 3 by-election to promote female representation in Parliament.
“I was waiting for any party to have fielded a female candidate in the Ayawaso East by-election. I will personally support the candidate because we need more of our women in Parliament. Unfortunately, the parties have disappointed me,” he stated.
His remarks reflect broader concerns about the low number of women in Ghana’s legislature and the persistent barriers they face in political participation.
For many advocates of gender inclusion, by-elections offer a strategic opportunity for parties to demonstrate commitment to diversity and representation, an opportunity that, in this case, appears to have been missed.
The Ayawaso East seat became vacant following the passing of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure, who died in January while receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Five candidates are now contesting the seat. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is represented by Baba Jamal, who drew number one on the ballot paper. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Yussif Baba Ali, secured the number three position, while the Liberal People’s Party (LPP) candidate, Ibrahim Iddrisu, picked number two.
Independent candidates Alhaji Mohammed Umar Sanda and David Kannor will appear in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Meanwhile, the NDC has revoked the membership of Mohammed Umar Sanda after he opted to contest the election as an independent candidate, describing his decision as a breach of the party’s constitution.
NA/AM
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