Abolish Bye election system- Journalist petitions Constitutional Review Committee
A petition has been submitted to the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) calling for the abolishment of Ghana’s by-election system to reduce costs and ensure continuous parliamentary representation in the event of a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) dying or resigning.
The petition, submitted by John Antwi Bosiako, News Editor at OTEC FM, a private radio station in Kumasi, proposes that political parties be allowed to nominate replacement MPs without triggering a by-election, provided the outgoing MP was elected on a party ticket.
Exception for independent MPs
However, the petitioner proposes that when an independent MP’s seat becomes vacant, a by-election should be held as currently required, allowing the electorate to choose a new representative.
This exception aims to maintain the democratic principle of representation and accountability.
According to Mr. Antwi Bosiako, the current system, as enshrined in Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, often causes delays in representation and financial strain on the state.
The petition was submitted during the Ashanti Regional engagement of the Constitutional Review Committee, held in Kumasi on Friday, August 1, 2025.
Current system burdensome
The petitioner argues that the current system, which requires a by-election whenever an MP’s seat becomes vacant, “places a significant financial burden on the state and exposes constituents to prolonged periods without parliamentary representation”.
The petitioner believes that “the proposed system will save the nation the high cost of frequent by-elections, ensure continuous and uninterrupted representation for constituents, and preserve the mandate originally given to the political party by the voters,” he added.
The CRC is reviewing gaps in the 1992 Constitution, building on previous review work in 2010 and 2023.
The Committee is expected to complete its national consultations and submit recommendations within five months for government consideration.
Stakeholder engagement
The CRC has been engaging key stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, and political parties, to gather views on proposed amendments.
The Ashanti region engagement took place on Friday, August 1, 2025, in Kumasi, where stakeholders discussed various proposals, including the petition on by-elections.
The outcome of the CRC’s review is eagerly awaited, and it is expected to shape the future of Ghana’s democracy.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
