The Electoral Commission (EC) set Tuesday, March 3, as the date for the by-election on January 16, 2026, following the death of the sitting MP, which rendered the seat vacant.

Under Article 112 (5) of the 1992 Constitution, the EC is mandated to organise a by-election whenever a parliamentary seat becomes vacant.

In a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, Hajia Adam said her decision to enter the race was driven by strong appeals from constituents, party grassroots members and traditional elders, who encouraged her to continue the work of her late husband.

She noted that the late Mahama Naser Toure served the Ayawaso East Constituency with dedication and distinction, and said she had carefully reflected on the calls made by community leaders before agreeing to serve.

“There has been a clarion call from many quarters in my constituency and beyond for me to step into the shoes of my late husband. After deep reflection and consultations, particularly with elders and grassroots members, I have accepted the call to serve my people,” she stated.

Hajia Adam acknowledged that her decision comes during a period of personal grief but said she was motivated by the support and counsel of chiefs, imams, youth leaders and other opinion leaders within the constituency.

“I want to assure them that I will not disappoint them,” she added.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced guidelines for the conduct of its Ayawaso East parliamentary primary in the Greater Accra Region, as part of preparations towards the March 3 by-election.

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The veteran legislator passed away on Sunday, January 4, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness.

In line with Islamic tradition, burial rites are being conducted within 24 hours of his death, drawing thousands of mourners to Nima and Kanda, the heart of the constituency he served for years.

Funeral arrangements have been fast-tracked through high-level coordination. Speaking on the preparations, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso North, Yussif Jajah, disclosed that an intervention by President John Dramani Mahama helped clear administrative processes at the mortuary promptly.

“As we speak now, we have brought the body home,” Mr. Jajah said late Sunday evening, confirming that the remains had been released to the family for burial.

The funeral programme reflects the late MP’s strong ties to his community. Janazah prayers are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Ayawaso East Constituency Office along the Kanda Highway. The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, is expected to lead the prayers.

Immediately after the prayers, the body will be conveyed to the Madina Cemetery for burial.

“God willing, tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock, prayers will be observed at the Kanda Highway where his constituency office is. His Eminence, the National Chief Imam, will lead the Janazah prayer,” Mr. Jajah explained.

Naser Toure Mahama was widely regarded as a grassroots politician whose parliamentary work focused on urban renewal in Nima and youth empowerment within Zongo communities.

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command is expected to deploy personnel to manage traffic along the Kanda Highway and surrounding roads leading into the Nima–Mamobi enclave. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes until mid-afternoon.

Residents across Nima have described the late MP as a bridge-builder who remained humble and accessible despite his political stature.

His passing leaves a significant void in Parliament, where he was viewed as a key link between the legislature and the densely populated inner-city communities of Accra.

Ayawaso East MP Mahama Naser Toure passes on

Parliament mourns late Ayawaso East MP Naser Toure Mahama