Former Energy Minister and NPP Chairman-aspirant Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko has made a direct appeal to residents of the Ayawaso East Constituency to come out and vote, warning that low turnout risks undermining the democratic gains Ghana has built over decades.

Agyarko, speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing by-election on Tuesday, set aside partisan considerations to make a broader civic appeal — urging all registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, to make time to exercise their franchise before polls close at 5 p.m.

The Ayawaso East by-election was triggered by the death of sitting MP Naser Toure Mahama, who passed away on January 4 after a brief illness. Five candidates are contesting the seat, with NDC's Baba Jamal widely tipped as the frontrunner based on pre-election polling.

"Come and cast your vote, and then you would have exercised your civic responsibility to the development of this country," he said, adding that every vote cast was a step towards consolidating democratic progress.

"My plea is come out, spare the time. It is worth it," he said.

His appeal comes against the backdrop of visibly low turnout at several of the 113 polling centres across the constituency, where 49,966 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots.

Earlier in the day, Agyarko had himself explained the low numbers, noting that by-elections in Ghana are historically under-patronised and that the perception of a foregone conclusion in NDC strongholds tends to further suppress participation.

Polls close at 5 p.m., with results expected later in the evening.