Pressure group Election Watch Ghana has appealed to the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) to use its discretionary powers to postpone the September 2, by-elections in Akwatia.

The group is making this appeal following the demise of eight gallant Ghanaians in a helicopter crash in Adansi-Akrofuom on Wednesday, August 6.

Among the eight was Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, who was also the Director of Elections and Information Technology (IT) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

As a result of his position, Dr Omane Boamah was a key member of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) of the EC.

“The demise of Dr. Omane Boamah, a key member of the NDC’s electoral team and an active contributor to IPAC, as acknowledged by the EC Chairperson in her statement on August 8, 2025, constitutes such a circumstance,” Election Watch Ghana said about its call for postponement.

“Our democracy, just like the Constitution, is a living organism that keeps growing and evolving through our decisions and actions. In this spirit, we believe that a brief postponement would not only be a fitting tribute to Dr. Omane Boamah’s legacy but also an opportunity to reinforce the principles of fairness, impartiality, and equal opportunities that underpin our electoral process.”

The group argues that the EC is empowered under Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution to exercise its discretionary powers in a “fair and just manner”.

“Furthermore, Section 13 of the Elections Act, 2002 (Act 651) empowers the EC to make regulations and take necessary steps for the conduct of elections,” a statement issued on Monday, August 11 said.

“This includes adjusting electoral timelines when circumstances necessitate such actions,” the statement jointly signed by conveners Mark Ewusi Arkoh and Jude Balma said.

For the convenors, a brief postponement will “enable the NDC to adequately prepare for the by-election, thereby ensuring a level-playing field for all parties involved”.

The group called for an emergency IPAC meeting to, among others, “discuss this matter further and explore options for a postponement”.

“By granting this request, the EC would uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality that are essential to the growth and development of our democracy.”

The Akwatia by-election was necessitated by the sudden demise of Ernest Kumi after a short illness.