The Ashanti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Benjamin Banobio, says his outfit is ready to conduct the by-election in Kumawu by-election slated for Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Speaking on Top Story, he said that EC conducted its final training session on Friday adding that barring any unforeseen circumstances the election will come off as scheduled.

Mr Banabio told the host, Evans Mensah, that “EC is very ready for the by-election. All the materials and equipment needed for the election are all in place. Today, we finished with the last training for our operations, so, ballot papers and all other documents are ready.”

The by-election in Kumawu became necessary following the death of the NPP MP, Philip Basoah.

He died at the age of 53 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Following his death, Parliament notified the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct a by-election in the Kumawu Constituency.

In accordance with Article 112 (5) of the Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Commission (EC) set May 23, 2023, for the election.

The Notice of Poll published by the Electoral Commission ahead of the election indicates that there were four candidates contesting for MP.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Ernest Yaw Anim, is the number one on the ballot paper; the National Democratic Congress candidate, Kwasi Amankwa, takes the second spot, while the third and fourth positions are for two independent candidates who bear the same name, Kwaku Duah.

Meanwhile, Mr Banabio says that the security agencies are ready to ensure that the by-election is devoid of any conflict.

“I  have met the Regional and District Police Commander, and they have assured us that security will be beefed up. Every polling station will have officers, and apart from that there will be mobile security forces on standby - they are taking intelligence.”

Mr Banabio added that “whenever it is suspected that these places are hotspots, they will provide security for such places. so I can assure you as I have been assured by the commanders that security is well strategised.”