Ing Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, a former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who is also aspiring to lead the party as flagbearer, has suggested to the Speaker of Parliament, the Electoral Commission (EC) and both NPP and National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership to adopt a conventional method whenever an MP’s seat falls vacant, instead of conducting by-elections.
“Therefore, I humbly propose to you, Sir, Rt Hon Speaker, Chairman NDC, NPP and Chairperson EC, a bold yet feasible reform as a CONVENTION, when an MP’s seat falls vacant, the incumbent party be allowed to simply select a successor through its internal democratic mechanisms, without triggering a by-election with all its associated risks mentioned above”, he suggested in a letter sent to the Speaker of Parliament.
The following is the full content of his proposal as contained in the letter;
To: The Speaker of Parliament,
Chairman NDC,
Chairman NPP,
Chairperson EC,
The Ghana Peace Council,
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations.
Dear Esteemed Countrymen,
I write to you today, as a Ghanaian citizen deeply unsettled by a pattern that has evolved repeatedly to now threaten the peace and dignity of our democracy.
This period of national mourning and deep sober reflection occasioned by tragic events of last week, somehow provides a wonderful opportunity to develop a political CONVENTION anchored by true consensus of key political actors in our beloved country, Ghana.
Time and again, we have witnessed by-elections develop into scenes of fear, aggression and needless damage to lives and property.
It is noteworthy to recall Atiwa, Chereponi, Akwatia and Ayawaso West Wuogon among others, where armed and masked party operatives and vigilantes have caused mayhem, leaving many scared for life and undermining of our hard-earned reputation as an oasis of peace in a turbulent sub-region.
These are not distant memories, but part of a disturbing, recurring cycle, typified by the recent July 2025 rerun of some polling station elections in Ablekuma North, where we saw the emergence of shocking parallels: state-linked forces, law enforcement hesitation, high-profile targets attacked and post-violence-blame games impeding justice .
This can no longer continue while we grow numb, with all due respect.
I trust that our democracy should inspire hope, rather than the hazards we behold every now and then. Democracy cannot flourish amid fear, violence and impunity.
Therefore, I humbly propose to you, Sir, Rt Hon Speaker, Chairman NDC, NPP and Chairperson EC, a bold yet feasible reform as a CONVENTION, when an MP’s seat falls vacant, the incumbent party be allowed to simply select a successor through its internal democratic mechanisms, without triggering a by-election with all its associated risks mentioned above.
This approach acknowledges our peculiar reality and deals head-on with the disturbing issues we face. It saves public resources, protects lives and thwarts the escalating cycle of partisan violence. More importantly, it offers us an opportunity to nurture consensus building among political actors.
We need to redirect our energies towards peaceful coexistence. Let’s elevate this dialogue beyond partisan lines and inspire national consensus. Akwatia and Tamale Central can lead the way.
Ghana is stronger than our worst moments. Our shared cultural roots and aspirations are more than the conflicts at polling stations.
Political leaders should inspire hope in every rural classroom, every urban market, every unemployed graduate seeking opportunity.
Let us prove that our politics can protect democracy and our generation in particular will not leave it fractured.
Let us break this destructive cycle together, not with empty speeches, but with courageous, consensual reform. Our legacy and the future of our people depends on it.
With unwavering resolve,
Yours in the Service of God and Country,
Ing Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.
General’s Place,
6 Anang Loop,
Otinshie,
East Legon, Accra.