By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 10th December, 2025
The Parliament of Ghana has formally declared the Kpandai seat vacant following a landmark ruling by the Tamale High Court on November 24, 2025, which nullified the 2024 parliamentary election results due to widespread electoral malpractices.
The court, led by Justice Emmanuel Brew Plange, upheld a petition filed by Daniel Nsala Wakpal, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, who contested the declaration of Matthew Nyindam, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, as the winner. The court ordered a fresh election within 30 days, citing irregularities in 41 out of 152 polling stations.
The Parliamentary Service has notified the Electoral Commission (EC) of the vacancy, triggering the by-election process. The EC is expected to announce the electoral calendar, including nomination deadlines and the poll date, in the coming weeks.
The original election results showed Nyindam winning with 27,947 votes (53.47%), while Wakpal secured 24,213 votes (46.33%). The margin between the two candidates was 3,734 votes.
The Minority in Parliament has criticized the notification, describing it as inappropriate and “regrettable,” and has called for its withdrawal. Meanwhile, Nyindam’s legal team has filed for a stay of execution pending an appeal.
The by-election is expected to be a crucial test for the two major parties, with the potential to alter the balance of power in Parliament.
AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, FREEDOM IN AFRICA
